Justice at last: Killer of Koronivia grandmother jailed for life

Tears flowed at the High Court in Suva yesterday as Ranjeeta Singh finally saw justice served for her late mother, 79-year-old Chand Kaur, who was brutally murdered in her Koronivia home last year.

The late Chand Kaur of Koronivia, Nausori.

Photo: Supplied

Ms Singh wept as Judge Justice Dane Tuiqereqere sentenced the killer, Vacolo Qio, to life imprisonment — meaning he will remain behind bars for the rest of his life, but must serve at least 17 years and four months before he can apply for parole.

“For the past year, I couldn’t sleep,” she said.

“Now, at least, I know justice has prevailed. He’ll one day return to his life — but my mother won’t.”

Ms Kaur was attacked in her home during a robbery gone wrong in the early hours of September 14, 2023. Qio, her neighbour, maintained his innocence until the end, showing no remorse.

Justice Tuiqereqere called Qio’s actions “cruel and inhumane”, telling him, “You took the life of a loved mother, grandmother, sister and aunt. Ms Kaur was taken before her time.”

Victim’s daughter Ranjeeta Singh and husband Ranjesh Singh outside the High Court in Suva on October 16, 2025.

Photo: Ronald Kumar

Her son-in-law, Ranjesh Singh, said the family’s Diwali celebrations this year would not be the same.

“She was one of the strong pillars of our family,” he said.

“My wife cries every day. We miss her deeply.”

The judge started with a 20-year starting point, added two years for aggravating factors, then deducted time for mitigation and remand, resulting in the 17 years and four months minimum term before parole eligibility.

Despite the sentence, the Singh family say they are simply grateful that their long wait for justice is finally over.

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