Police have laid murder charges against five men for allegedly killing 74 year old Josateki Cavu of Nabouwalu who passed away at the Labasa hospital on Thursday morning.

Divisional Crime Officer Northern, ASP Luke Rawalai said the five suspects are in police custody at Nabouwalu and are expected to appear in Labasa magistrates court on Monday.

Six men charged with criminal intimidation and act with intent to cause grievous harm appeared in court yesterday and have been remanded in custody until the next hearing at a further date.

Meanwhile, the other 62 year old claimant of the Title is still admitted in hospital after a brawl erupted due to the chiefly title dispute.

The brawl broke out during a meeting where the installation of a new chief was being discussed. The position of Buli Raviravi is vacant following the death of the chief this year.

It is alleged that 74 year old villager, Josateki Cavu who claimed that he should be the next chief led a group of men and stormed into the village hall at Nabouwalu. The group were armed with cane knives and stones.

It was during the confrontation when the 74 year old man allegedly knifed a 62 year old man of the other faction. A group of Nabouwalu villagers then retaliated and the 74 year old was also knifed.