Man pleads guilty to manslaughter over son’s forklift death

A man accused of causing the death of his son in a forklift incident has pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the High Court in Suva.

Savenaca Damuni appeared before Justice Dane Tuiqereqere today and admitted to one count of manslaughter arising from an alleged breach of duty.

It is alleged that on May 2, 2023, Damuni was reversing a forklift when he struck his son, causing injuries that later led to the child’s death.

The matter is also before the court against Raviravi Timberyard directors Vinay Prakash Chandra and Sushila Devi, who have both pleaded not guilty to one count of corporate manslaughter.

The State alleges the two directors allowed Damuni to operate the forklift despite knowing he did not have the required licence.

State prosecutor Hezekiah Nofaga informed the court that more time was needed to file the summary of facts relating to Damuni’s guilty plea.

Justice Tuiqereqere adjourned the matter to June 11 for the filing of the summary of facts and further proceedings.