A 36-year-old man from Savusavu has been charged with one count of murder and one count of an act with intent to cause bodily harm for the alleged murder of 24-year-old Iowane Urai in Nawi, Savusavu, earlier this week.

Police spokesperson Atunaisa Sokomuri said the suspect is in police custody at the Labasa Police Station and is expected to appear at the Labasa Court on Monday.  

Urai was drinking home brew with some of his friends when an argument occurred that led to his death while his other friends were treated for minor injuries.

And as tensions remain high in the villages of Nasavu and Nailuva in Ra after a man was killed yesterday, a total of 51 police officers are still questioning the 45 villagers over the death.

Sokomuri said that police are into the final stages of their investigation and charges are expected to be laid against a number of those being questioned.