Former Police officer, Kelepi Kolinisau has been found guilty of the lesser count of manslaughter by the High Court in Suva, while Selema Tikoenaburevere has been acquitted.

Kelepi Kolinisau and Selema Tikoenaburevere are jointly charged with one count of murder, had appeared before High Court Judge Justice Vincent Perera.

It is alleged the two assaulted Josua Lalauvaki after an altercation outside a Suva nightclub on September 2, 2018. Mr Lalauvaki died a few weeks later at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital as a result of the injuries he suffered from the alleged assault.

During mitigation submissions, Kolinisau’s defence lawyer, Barbara Malimali told the court to consider that the accused:

• has three children with one on the way as his wife is pregnant
• is a first-time offender
• was assaulted by the complainants and
• is the sole bread winner for his family

Officer of the Director of Public Prosecution lawyer Meli Vosawale said that the court was to consider the fact that a life was lost.

Mr Vosawale also highlighted the suffering that Lalauvaki’s mother had being going through and the fact that his family had lost Lalauvaki.

The accused has been remanded in custody.

The matter has been adjourned to November 20 for sentencing.

Edited by Jonathan Bryce

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