Frederick Elijah Mercy Tuifua has admitted he murdered Pitasoni ‘Soni’ Ulavalu in Civic last year. Photo: Facebook.
The man accused of stabbing Canberra Comanchero’s commander Pitasoni ‘Soni’ Ulavalu to death in a nightclub brawl has confessed to his murder.
With a police presence outside the courtroom, Frederick Elijah Mercy Tuifua appeared in the ACT Magistrates Court on Friday (23 April) where he entered a guilty plea to murdering Mr Ulavalu.
When Magistrate Beth Campbell confirmed if he was pleading guilty, standing, he said: “yes, your honour”.
He also admitted he assaulted another Comanchero during the brawl when he pleaded guilty to a charge of intentionally inflicting grievous bodily harm.
The particular details Tuifua confessed to have not yet been released, but court documents for a man who has previously pleaded guilty to his role in the incident state the 26-year-old allegedly stabbed the bikie boss with a knife during a brawl at Kokomo’s in Civic on 19 July 2020.
In court on Friday, Magistrate Campbell committed Tuifua to the Supreme Court for sentencing. He will remain in custody until the next time his case is mentioned on 6 May.
Supporters of Mr Ulavalu were present in the courthouse, with some wearing jumpers printed with the words “in loving memory of Pitasoni Ulavalu”.
Tuifua is the fourth man to admit to his role in the nightclub brawl.
Maximilian Ellis Kurt Budack, Matthew Rokosuka Vakatagi Kupu and Osaiasi Avanua Sydney Kupu have all pleaded guilty to a single charge of affray with five or more people present.
Early in February, a man who cannot be named was the first to enter a guilty plea to a charge of affray over the brawl. He will return to court for sentencing later this year.
Another man who cannot be named is also charged with affray and will appear in court later this year.
None of the other men are accused of killing Mr Ulavalu.
Tuifua originally denied murdering Mr Ulavalu, but in court last week suggested he would change his plea.
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