Canberra bikie murder: Police say group of women could be key witnesses to killing of Pitasoni Ulavalu
Seven women could have important information about the death of top Canberra bikie Pitasoni Ulavalu, police say.
Canberra Star
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The team of investigators probing the alleged murder of Canberra bikie boss Pitasoni Ulavalu say seven bystanders could have crucial information about the case.
The bystanders — all of them women — were identified as part of a massive review of security camera footage of the stabbing and its aftermath.
Ulavalu was stabbed in the neck during a scuffle and died on the footpath outside Kokomo’s nightclub in Bunda St, Canberra.
The club, and streets nearby, are blanketed with security cameras.
Police on Tuesday released blurred images of seven women standing outside the club around midnight, an hour or so before the brawl broke out.
ACT Policing Detective Superintendent Scott Moller said: “This investigation is complex. Officers have so far spoken with many helpful people and reviewed many hours of CCTV footage”.
He said bystanders “may not even realise the significance of the information they have.”
“Even the smallest piece of information can make a big difference,” he said.
Police have previously said witnesses who have spoken to investigators fear being caught up in reprisal attacks.
“Witnesses who have provided information have expressed concern for their welfare from retribution of those involved,” a document, tendered in court, said.
In a statement, ACT police said they hope the women in the security camera stills would recognise themselves and come forward.
Six men have been charged over the brawl, including Frederick Elijah Mercy Tuifua, who has pleaded not guilty to murder.
Five other men — two of whose names are suppressed — have been charged with affray and have also pleaded not guilty.
The case returns to court in November.
The investigation continues.