Three family members of the five victims murdered by Tevita Qaqa Kapawale shared poignant reflections on how their lives have transformed since the tragic event in May 2021. The victims, killed aboard the MV Tiro II, included both Indonesian nationals and Fijians, underscoring the international implications of this horrific incident.
During the recent court proceedings, Kaminieli Tucama, who survived an attempted murder at the hands of Kapawale, also testified, highlighting the ongoing trauma faced by those affected. The courtroom was filled with the families of both the victims and Kapawale, creating a charged atmosphere as they awaited the court’s judgment.
Earlier in the month, Justice Dane Tuiqereqere had declared Kapawale guilty of five counts of murder, as well as charges of attempted murder and criminal intimidation. The prosecution noted the absence of physical evidence, specifically the victims’ bodies, but relied on survivor testimonies and circumstantial evidence that painted a grim picture of the events that transpired.
State lawyer Triveshni Sharma emphasized that this case is particularly significant within the Fijian legal context, being one of the first of its kind in 15 years, and she has called for a mandatory life imprisonment sentence, advocating a minimum term of 40 to 50 years. However, Kapawale’s defense attorney, Tobia Ravuniwa, expressed concerns over the suggested sentencing, maintaining that judicial discretion should be exercised.
Kapawale will remain in custody until his sentencing scheduled for August 12. The community remains hopeful that this ruling will not only bring some measure of justice for the victims’ families but also serve as a catalyst for strengthening maritime safety regulations and preventing such tragedies in the future. This hope is anchored in the collective desire for accountability and justice as the legal proceedings continue to unfold.
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