A 35-year-old man has been remanded by the Magistrates Court in Suva on multiple charges, including the murder of his one-year-old daughter. Sairusi Ceinaturaga appeared before Resident Magistrate Jeremaia Savou and faces several serious allegations, including one count of murder, one count of serious assault causing actual bodily harm, and one count of grievous harm.
Reports indicate that Ceinaturaga is accused of violently assaulting the toddler, including hitting her with an aluminum cooking spoon, slamming her head against a wall, and throwing her onto a mattress. Additionally, he allegedly attacked the child’s three-year-old brother by slapping and biting him, as well as assaulting his defacto partner.
The tragic events came to light last Thursday when medical staff at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital notified the Totogo Police after the child was pronounced dead on arrival. Police discovered visible injuries on the child, suggesting possible foul play.
Ceinaturaga, who is the defacto partner of the child’s mother, has a known history of abusive behavior. The case has been transferred to the High Court, where it is scheduled for its first mention on November 4.