Two men, who allegedly stole from the home of the Speaker of Parliament late last year, have admitted they stole mats and masi, sold it and used the money for a drinking party at a vacant house.

Thirty-six-year-old Ratu Jone Latianara and 34-year-old Semi Vakaru allegedly entered the home of Ratu Epeli Nailatikau and stole six mats valued at $2100, two Tongan mats valued at $800, one fotanga masi valued at $800, three gatu masi valued at $600, two vivivi mats valued at $1400, and eight single mats valued at $400, all to the total value of $6100.

Between November 5 and November 6, 2020, at Lomanikoro Village on Bau Island, the two accused persons entered into the complainant’s vacant house which was looked after by Kimi Veisaunakoro and Lanieta Vuetibau.

Ms Vuetibau went to the house to switch off the lights on November 6, 2020, at around 7am when she discovered that the door of the house was open and the household items were scattered around the floor.

Upon realising this, she went to the door of the store room whereby she discovered that all the items mentioned above were missing.

She reported the matter to the Police and upon investigation, both of the accused persons were taken in for questioning.

During the caution interview, Vakaru admitted that he had assisted Latianara in committing the offence.

Latianara allegedly passed the items to Vakaru and they loaded the items onto a boat, then transported it to Suva to sell at the Flea Market.

Latianara allegedly admitted that they entered the house through the back window and used a torch light to look for mats and masi.

The mats and masi were sold for $1200 and the money equally shared among the two accused persons. They used the money to purchase alcohol and drank it at a vacant house in Nadave.

Both accused persons pleaded guilty to the charges of aggravated burglary and theft.

The matter has been adjourned for sentence on February 4.

Latianara and Vakaru were remanded in custody by the High Court

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