Court jails convicted killer on anniversary of crime

Convicted murderer Timoci Matanimeke has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum non-parole period of 16 years for the brutal killing of a 60-year-old man at his home in Samabula on Christmas Eve in 2023.

Matanimeke was sentenced before Justice Siainiu Fa’alogo Bull today, facing charges of murder, aggravated robbery and criminal trespass.

The court heard that on December 24, 2023, Matanimeke was seen lurking around the victim’s home on Namuka-i-Lau Street, Samabula, on two occasions before breaking in to commit a robbery.

Prosecution evidence, including CCTV footage, showed Matanimeke leaving the house carrying a blue box containing a pair of safety boots and a mobile phone.

The victim was later found inside the house lying in a pool of his own blood.

The court found there was evidence of premeditation for the robbery, but not for the murder.

Justice Bull accepted DNA evidence linking Matanimeke to the cane knife used to strike the victim.

In sentencing, Justice Bull said Matanimeke’s actions had a devastating impact on the victim’s only son, a nurse, who has since been admitted to St Giles Psychiatric Hospital and diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.

She said the incident had taken a significant emotional toll on him.

For the aggravated robbery charge, Matanimeke was sentenced to nine years’ imprisonment, and three months for criminal trespass. These sentences will be served concurrently with the life sentence for murder.

The court also ruled that Matanimeke will only be eligible to apply for a pardon through the Mercy Commission after serving 14 years of his sentence.

The defence has 30 days to file an appeal.