Talei Matairakula

A five-bedroom home in Labasa was extensively damaged in an early morning fire today, with the upper level of the property destroyed before firefighters brought the blaze under control. Police confirmed the fire broke out at about 7.30am at Salusalu Street and investigations are underway to determine the cause. Police spokesperson Sergeant Wame Bautolu confirmed the incident. The property, a partially double-storey house with an adjoining flat, belongs to Kanta Prasad, who is currently in Suva.

A TikToker and three co-accused charged with murder will remain in custody as the State moves to consolidate the case into a single High Court proceeding. Paula Caginicolo, Meli Bavesi, Suliasi Naikaimuri and Josivini Naisaucou appeared before Justice Aruna Aluthge in the High Court in Lautoka this morning. The four are jointly charged with murder in relation to the death of Vilikesa Naicaba at Wairabetia on May 14, 2026.

Lawyers representing former Fijian Broadcasting Corporation (FBC) chief executive officer Riyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and chief financial officer Vimlesh Sagar are seeking further details from prosecutors, arguing that key information needed to understand the allegations has not yet been disclosed. The two appeared before Magistrate Joseph Daurewa in the Suva Magistrates' Court this morning over charges relating to the tender and procurement of a 3.0-litre Volkswagen Touareg valued at $207,470.