The Asian national charged with the alleged murder of a local fisherman on the 5th of last month appeared in the Magistrates Court this morning and maintained his not guilty plea.

22yr old Shui Xiong who was charged with the alleged murder of Joeli Nailati last month, pleaded not guilty before Magistrate Amani Rokotinaviti.

It is alleged that the accused stabbed the local fishermen after a heated argument in December last year.

The case has been referred to the High Court and will be called on the 16th of January.