Man gets Suspended Sentence for Killing Corrections Officer

A man found guilty of manslaughter was sentenced to two years but suspended for three years by the High Court in Lautoka.

This means that if he commits any other offences within three years, he would have to serve the full term of imprisonment.

Penaia Driu Nawelulu who killed Pauliasi Rokowaqa, a Fiji Corrections Service personnel after a nightclub brawl in May 2019, was sentenced on February 23, 2024.

The case was presided by Justice Aruna Aluthge.

The court heard

On May 1, 2019, Nawelulu and his friends were drinking somewhere in Nadi Town when after which they went to a nightclub after midnight and continued drinking.

While on his way to the smoking lounge, Mr Rokowaqa, who appeared to be heavily intoxicated, bumped into Nawelulu.

Nawelulu warned Mr Rokowaqa to behave himself however, the latter began to throw himself around, mumbling and swearing.

When the nightclub closed Nawelulu met again with Mr Rokowaqa, who gave the impression that he was going to throw a punch at him.

The court heard that Nawelulu reacted in self-defence and punched the victim. The accused then ducked and  punched Mr Rokowaqa on the ground before he fled the scene in a taxi. Mr Rokowaqa died from injuries sustained from the brawl. The aggravating factors were that Nawelulu committed the offence under the influence of alcohol and showed no remorse when he fled the scene.

Paid Advertisement | March 2024

In mitigation, it was heard that Nawelulu was 33 years old, married with three children and worked at a leading hotel in Nadi. He was the sole breadwinner of his family.

Justice Aluthge said he accepted that Nawelulu was provoked by the deceased in the nightclub.

But given the lapse of time between the act and his reaction, the offence could not be considered as one committed in the heat of passion.

“We have seen a remarkable increase in violence associated with nightlife in Fiji in the recent past,” Justice Aluthge said.

“Fiji already on the verge of being declared a risk tourist destination must ensure a peaceful environment for the tourists and everyone engaged in the entertainment business.”

Nawelulu has been given 30 days to appeal his sentence  to the Court of Appeal.

Feedback: salote.qalubau@fijisun.com.fj