State Seeks Custodial Sentence for Manslaughter Suspects
The couple buried their daughter Alanieta Naituva unlawfully in Toko, Tavua, between December 1, 2020, and February 23, 2021.
Tuesday 27 February 2024 | 13:55
Couple Laisiasa Rokobici and Ruci Kalokalo outside the High Court in Lautoka on February 26, 2024. Photo: Salote Qalubau
State prosecutor Saini Naibe sought a custodial sentence to be imposed by the High Court in Lautoka against the couple who are charged with manslaughter and unlawful burial.
The sentencing council website states a custodial sentence may be imposed where the court believes it is necessary to protect the public. The length of the sentence depends on the seriousness of the offence and the maximum penalty allowed by law
The couple buried their daughter Alanieta Naituva unlawfully in Toko, Tavua, between December 1, 2020, and February 23, 2021.
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Laisiasa Rokobici and Ruci Kalokalo represented themselves in court yesterday during the sentencing hearing while Judge, Justice Aruna Aluthge presided over the matter.
Charges:
Laisiasa Rokobici and Ruci Kalokalo are charged with manslaughter arising from breach of duty, an alternative count of failure to provide the necessities of life and an alternative count of restriction of burial of dead bodies.
Between December 1, 2020, and February 23, 2021 at Toko, Tavua, Rokobici and Kalokalo made an omission which amounted to a negligent breach of duty by not taking their seven-year-old daughter to the hospital for medical attention resulting in her death.
The couple buried their daughter without a death certificate in the forms prescribed by the Registrar General by regulation under the Births, Death and Marriages Registration Act in respect of the body signed by a medical practitioner on February 23, 2021, at Toko, Tavua.
Couple Laisiasa Rokobici and Ruci Kalokalo outside the High Court in Lautoka on February 26, 2024. Photo: Salote Qalubau
Rokobici told the court the couple’s submissions were based on their religious beliefs and sought the court’s favour. The duo also sought time to speak with their children and explain the stage they had reached so that they were aware of the court proceedings.
Rokobici further submitted that the State was representing the law of man, but the couple represented the law of God, however they would accept Justice Aluthge’s decision .
Justice Aluthge said the couple had until Thursday to discuss the case with their children and adjourned the matter to February 29 for sentencing.
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