Duo Blame Bill 17 For Taveuni, Mosque Arson

Two offenders who allegedly set fire to a mosque, a variety shop and stole items from Courts Fiji on Taveuni Island pleaded guilty yesterday.

Sitiveni McComber, 22, and Viliame Gaunavinaka, 27, appeared before Judge Justice Siainiu Bull in the High Court, Labasa.

They were charged with one count of arson, one count of attempted arson, one count of theft and one count of aggravated bulgarly.

The alleged incident happened on July 24, 2021.

Their lawyer, Reema Raj from Legal Aid Commission during the sentence hearing requested the court for a discount and lesser sentence.

She told the court that both were young and first offenders and decided to change their plea from not guilty to guilty because they were remorseful.

Mrs Raj said McComber committed the offence because he was given wrong information about Bill number 17 and was influenced to attack the muslim communities.

Justice Bull was shocked and questioned what has the offence got to do with Bill 17.

(The iTaukei Land Trust Budget Amendment Act commonly known as Bill 17 removed the requirement of obtaining of obtaining the consent of the iTaukei Land Trust Board of any mortgage, charge, pledge or caveat on a lease to be dealt by court of law.)

Mrs Raj added this was one of the reasons they set fire to a Macuata Muslim League mosque, belonging to a Muslim businessman and tried to steal items from Courts Fiji because the manager was a muslim.

However, the mosque was saved by neighbours. Ali’s Fashion shop was completely destroyed in the blaze.

The case has been adjourned for sentencing on Friday.

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