The murder trial against a police officer and eight soldiers, who are charged with the alleged murder of 19-year-old Sakiusa Rabaka in February 2007, is not expected to go to trial until later this year.

The nine men will appear in the Nadi High Court tomorrow and DPP and Defence lawyers are expected to come to an agreement on the earliest date the case can go to trial.

However, Court officials confirm that due to the tight schedule of the Nadi High Court a trial date is expected sometime after October.

Patrick Nayacalagilagi, Taione Lua, Ulaiasi Radike, Epeli Nadura, Ratunaisa Toutou, Joeli Lesavua, Jona Nareki, Ilaisa Kurimavua and Napolioni Naulia earlier pleaded not guilty to the charge. It is alleged that the nine assaulted Rabaka who died due to injuries sustained.

Meanwhile, preparations for the trial against a Corporal in the RFMF Maika Vuniwawa is underway with the case set for hearing on the Suva High Court in July.

The pre-trial conference will start on June 10th following which a trial date is expected to be set in mid July.

Vuniwawa is alleged to have assaulted Verebasaga while in military custody resulting in his death. He is denying the charge.