Soldier, Private Maika Vuniwawa has been found guilty of manslaughter by the Suva High Court this afternoon for causing the death of Nakaulevu villager Nimilote Verebasaga.
Four of the five assessors found Vuniwawa not guilty of murder, while one assessor found him guilty on the murder charge. The four assessors also found him guilty of manslaughter, while one assessor came back with a not guilty verdict on the manslaughter charge.
Soon after, High Court Judge Justice Daniel Gounder delivered his verdict and concurred with majority of the assessors and found Vuniwawa guilty of manslaughter.
Vuniwawa's lawyer, Haroon Ali Shah then requested for an adjournment before sentencing and highlighted that his client had initially pleaded guilty to the charge of manslaughter which was not accepted by the State as Vuniwawa was charged with murder.
Judge Gounder will sentence Vuniwawa at 9:30 tomorrow morning.
Vuniwawa took Verebasaga from his home in Nakaulevu on January 5th 2007 and assaulted him at their base in Davuilevu, which led to Verebasaga's death.
Soldier Found Guilty
Related Stories
COMPOL urges Lagalaga Sanatan students to value discipline and education
Students of Lagalaga Sanatan Primary School in Labasa have been reminded of the importance of education, discipline and obedience by the Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu. Tudravu spoke to the students during
Heavy Rain Alert remains for Viti Levu, Southern Bua, Cakaudrove, Lau and Lomaiviti Groups
A Heavy Rain Alert remains in force for the Eastern half of Viti Levu from Serua, Namosi through Navua, Suva, Nausori, Tailevu, Naitasiri, Ra, Southern Bua, Cakaudrove, Taveuni, Kadavu, Lau and Lomaiviti Groups and near
Warning letter written to Prof. Narsey – Acting AG
Acting Attorney General Siromi Turaga says a strong warning letter has been written to Electoral Reform Commissioner Professor Wadan Narsey after he came out publicly with the Electoral Reform Commission report recommen
3 Fijian men from KVT gang in Sydney denied bail for AUD$12.5M drugs case
Three Fijians who are alleged to be associated with a gang supplying drugs in Sydney have been refused bail by the court. 28-year-old Eparama Nevale, 28-year-old William Ravoka, and 24-year-old George Sukanaivalu,
Proposed ‘People First’ submits application for registration
The Proposed ‘People First’ has submitted its application for registration to the Registrar of Political Parties, Ana Mataiciwa. Mataiciwa confirms that the FEO is now preparing to publish the party’s applica
Visitor arrivals on track for record year while sugar output drops
Visitor arrivals have recovered following a decline in the first quarter and based on current trends, Fiji is on track to achieve a third consecutive year of record visitor arrivals in 2025. While speaking on the p