18-year-old student Rihaal Kumar, who is alleged to have caused the death of a man in his 20s at an apartment complex in Suva earlier this week has been remanded in custody.

He appeared this afternoon before Magistrate Charles Ratakele in the Suva Magistrate’s Court, charged with one count of murder.

He is represented by legal aid counsel Timoci Varinava.

Varinava while applying for bail, informed the court that the accused is a first-time offender and is still a student.

He adds there should be presumption of innocence.

Police Prosecutor Inspector Luke Qerewaqa objected to bail given the seriousness of the charge.

He adds there’s a possibility the accused may interfere with state witnesses and that the matter is of public interest.

The Magistrate denied bail and the matter has been transferred to the high court.

The case will be called on the 18th of this month.