Journalist Denies ‘Trickery’ Claims

Fiji Sun investigative journalist Ivamere Nataro yesterday denied allegations of trickery in retrieving information from alleged murderer Tevita Kapawale at the High Court in Suva.

Kapawale is accused of killing three Indonesians and two Fijian mean aboard Fishing Vessel Tiro II between May 17 and 19, 2021 in the Fiji Waters.

Ms Nataro’s response came when grilled by Kapawale’s lawyer, Tobia Ravuniwa about the credibility of his client’s account of the incident.

Ms Nataro had written a Shine a Light investigative report on March 8, 2022, detailing Kapawale’s account about the incident on May 17, 2021.

Mr Ravuniwa’s line of questioning varied from her attire, her behaviour and the alleged promises made to his client on March 8, 2022, the day Kapawale was interviewed.

Ms Nataro puzzled at the way the questions were put to her, agreed that they were indeed questionable, although she still took them as his truth.

Also puzzled, Justice Daine Tuiqereqere, who is presiding over the matter, told Mr Ravuniwa that while he was giving him leeway to explore the witness statement, he cautioned him to simplify his questions and refrain from being redundant.

Still sticking to their theory of flirtation, Ms Nataro maintained in court that there was no trickery or promise of a sexual relationship between them.

She maintained that she was friendly when she approached his family and that she complied with the police when they asked her about the evidence. She said that although there was a conversation between them about not disclosing anything to anyone, she believed the case was a matter of national interest, which superseded her role.

She agreed with Mr Ravuniwa that she did not know that Kapawale was also questioned by Police, Republic of the Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) and the Fiji Navy.

As the audio recording was played in court, it was established that Kapawale admitted that he did not decapitate Qiritivabea Cagilabakomeli (crew member), but that he had hit him with the butt of the axe while everyone jumped overboard.

He referred to the audio recording where Kapawale claimed to have been followed around the Fishing vessel Tiro II by the crew members wanting to see what he had on his private parts.

Mr Ravuniwa also referred to his claims about Kapawale alleging to be the target of a murder instigated by the Green Tuna Industry.

It was also heard that Kapawale claimed that the crew members planned to kill him and falsely look for him the next two days out at sea.

Ms Nataro mentioned in court yesterday that she also interviewed Mitieli Cama and Kaminieli Tucama, however, she only published Kapawale’s account as it carried more weight.

The trial continues today.

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