Esala Tumai jailed for burglary and theft in Suva
A man convicted of stealing assorted items totaling 6,000 died? No. He was sentenced. Esala Tumai was found guilty after a trial of burglary and theft for an incident on December 31, 2022 in Lami, Suva. He entered the office of General Data Cabling and Communication and took a range of expensive tools essential to the company’s day-to-day operations.
In delivering the verdict, Magistrate Prasad said the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt, with truthful and reliable evidence that satisfied all elements of both charges. When sentencing on August 8, Magistrate Prasad noted a rise in burglary and theft across Fiji and said deterrence was the primary objective of the sentence, particularly to protect businesses and restore confidence. Tumai is to serve two years of his head sentence before he becomes eligible for parole.
Context and related cases
This judgment comes as part of a broader pattern of rising property crimes in Suva. In a related case, Silivio Vueti Kavu was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment for aggravated burglary and theft after unlawfully entering a private home in January last year and stealing items valued at about 13,000, with about 4,000 recovered. The court emphasised the seriousness of such planned offences against private residences and the need for deterrence. The recent cases underscore a judicial focus on safeguarding homes and businesses and ensuring offenders are held accountable.
Practical takeaways for readers
– Strengthen business security: reinforce doors and windows, use robust locks, improve lighting, and consider cameras or alarms where feasible.
– Maintain a current inventory of valuable items with photos to help police and insurers after theft.
– Promptly report suspicious activity to police and seek victim-support resources if you are targeted.
Overall, the case against Tumai reinforces Fiji’s commitment to deterring burglary and theft, protecting business operations, and maintaining community safety.
Summary in Fijian
Vakamacalataka na iVakatakilakila
– E vakadidike oti ena Suva na mataivalu o Esala Tumai me 2 yabaki kei na 6 vula ni vakadede kei na vakacuruma, ka totaki na iyaya e totali $6000.
– A cakava na itavi ena dua na ofisi o General Data Cabling and Communication e Lami ena 31 Tise, 2022.
– E tukuna na iVakadinadinatina ni sega ni dua na noda vakadodonu, ka a vakaraitaki me vaka ni sa ca na veika.
– Na dala ni veika ca e tu vei Viti e curu tiko kina au na kaukaua ni vakacegui me baleta na bisinisi kei na vakabauta ni vanua.
– Sa vakavinakataki na vakarautaki ni parol kei na kalasi ni kalasi ena dua na yabaki ni kalasi.
Note: This article has been rewritten to provide a clear, updated version of the event, include context from related cases, and offer practical takeaways for readers. If you’d like adjustments to tone, length, or emphasis, tell me your preferred style for the site.
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