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Murder suspect Jack Fraser is escorted out of court by a police officer yesterday.

A 32-year-old fisherman charged with the September murder of a jeweller in Nadi, has been remanded in custody.

No plea was taken when Jack Fraser, of Lautoka, appeared in a special sitting of the Nadi court yesterday.

Magistrate Syed Mukhtar Shah told Fraser that since he was a murder suspect, it would be hard for him to be released on bail.

"This court is very strict on giving bail to those charged with murder," Mr Shah said after asking Fraser if he had anything to say.

Fraser told the court if he was to be remanded, he still needed an opportunity to find a lawyer.

Mr Shah told Fraser if he had any complaints to make, it was the time to do so.

"This is the first contact in court and if you have anything to say, this is the opportunity, because after that you will not have it again," Mr Shah said.

Mr Shah ordered police to help Fraser to find a lawyer of his choice or to seek help from Legal Aid Commission.

Mr Shah deferred Fraser's plea to October 20 when Fraser will reappear in court.

State lawyer Mosese Korovou appeared for the prosecution.

It is alleged Fraser was involved in the stabbing death of 42-year-old jeweller, Kamlesh Nandha.

Mr Nandha, who was the production manager with Raniga Jewellers, was stabbed outside his house after returning from a yaqona-drinking session on September 18.

He was stabbed several times in the chest as he was trying to open the gates to his compound.

Mr Nandha had been with Raniga Jewellers for more than 20 years.

He died while being taken to hospital by family and friends.

West police chief Emori Laqai said the crime team from Namaka and Nadi had been investigating the case for almost three weeks.

A team of detectives was led by deputy divisional crime officer Aisea Kadawa.

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