THE State is considering granting immunity to two of the three men accused of holding Afroz Khan hostage and killing him in 2024.
State prosecutor Unaisi Ratukalou informed Justice Pita Bulamainaivalu that immunity is being considered for Semi Naisevunivai and Viliame Vulawalu, but said the proposal remains subject to further discussions with the defence.
Mr Naisevunivai and Mr Vulawalu are charged alongside Edward Nand with one count of murder, allegedly committed between November 27 and December 27, 2024.
It is alleged that the trio held Khan captive in a van while demanding a $10,000 ransom from his wife. The court heard they allegedly instructed her to leave the money in a rubbish bin near Ratu Cakobau Park in Nausori.
The State alleges that when the ransom was not delivered, the men assaulted Khan with a wheel spanner, bound his hands and feet, covered his mouth and drowned him in a river in Naitasiri.
Meanwhile, Ms Ratukalou informed the court that investigations into allegations by Mr Nand that a crime officer had accepted a $10,000 bribe had been completed.
She said the allegations could not be substantiated and that Viber messages produced by Mr Nand in support of the claims were found to have been altered.
The matter has been adjourned to July 2 for a continued pre-trial conference.
Mr Naisevunivai and Mr Vulawalu had their bail extended, while Mr Nand’s production order was extended.
