Christmas Eve convicted killer awaits fate on anniversary of crime

A 20-year-old man convicted of killing a 50-year-old man at his Samabula home on Christmas Eve in 2023 is now awaiting sentencing.

Timoci Matanimeke appeared before High Court Judge Justice Siainiu Fa’alogo Bull on Thursday with his Legal Aid Commission lawyer, Ginna Volavola, for sentence submissions.

Matanimeke was found guilty of murder, criminal trespass, and aggravated robbery after invading the victim’s home, assaulting him with a cane knife, leaving him to die, and walking away with his property.

He was 18 years old at the time of the offence.

State prosecutor Hezekiah Nofaga urged the court to impose a high sentence for murder, which carries a starting point of 20 years to life imprisonment.

He said this reflected the brutality of the assault, medical evidence, and police descriptions of the victim’s injuries.

Mr Nofaga outlined seven aggravating factors, including:

• Unlawful entry;
• Pre-planned murder, supported by CCTV footage showing Matanimeke near the area twice before the incident;
• The victim’s pre-existing medical conditions, including stroke and diabetes;
• The victim was unprovoked;
• Emotional and psychological harm to the victim’s son, as detailed in his Victim Impact Statement; and
• Lack of remorse after the offence

He argued that CCTV footage showed Matanimeke leaving with the victim’s belongings while the victim lay motionless on the floor.

Ms Volavola sought leniency, citing that her client was a first-time and young offender who has spent two years and 22 days in remand.

Matanimeke apologised to the court and asked for a second chance, referencing Section 4(1)(d) of the Sentencing and Penalties Act 2009, which promotes rehabilitation.

Justice Bull has given both parties more time to complete submissions before sentencing on Christmas Eve.