Trio to take Plea in Boy’s Forklift Death

A father accused of causing the death of his six-year-old son in an alleged forklift accident, along with two Raviravi Timberyard directors, will take their plea later this month in the High Court in Suva.

Savenaca Damuni, 38, appeared before Justice Dane Tuiqereqere last Friday alongside Raviravi Timberyard directors Vinay Prakash Chandra and Sushila Devi.

Damuni is charged with one count of manslaughter arising from an alleged breach of duty. It is alleged that on May 2, 2023, while reversing a forklift, he struck his son, causing injuries that later led to the child’s death.

Chandra and Devi are jointly charged with 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 lawyer Simione Seruvatu informed the court that the information had been filed and served.

Defence lawyer Jiten Reddy told the court he needed more time to advise Chandra and Devi on their plea.

Mr Reddy said the defence had received full disclosures from the prosecution and required additional time to respond.

Justice Tuiqereqere adjourned the matter to May 28 for plea.

Bail has been extended for all three accused pending the next court appearance.