The High Court in Lautoka has found Roneel Kumar and Gaston Kean guilty of aggravated robbery and theft related to a home burglary that took place on March 27, four years ago. Justice Aruna Aluthge announced the verdict, pointing to robust evidence from the prosecution, notably CCTV footage capturing the crime.
The jury established that Kumar and Kean unlawfully entered the residence of Diana Ali Nand, stealing a laptop, $5,750 in cash, a gold watch, two gold bangles, and a gold chain. The prosecution successfully demonstrated their intention to permanently deprive the victim of her belongings.
The defense arguments were deemed unpersuasive. Justice Aluthge remarked that Kumar’s alibi and the testimony of his partner, Astika, were largely untrustworthy. The court highlighted her inconsistent statements and her obvious vested interest in defending Kumar, undermining the credibility of her evidence.
Additionally, Kumar’s efforts to influence a key witness by transferring money through MPAiSA raised further doubts about his integrity and reinforced the prosecution’s position. Similarly, Kean’s alibi was discredited; his assertion of being born without a right thumb was unsupported, while CCTV footage displayed an individual resembling him during the crime.
Both defendants were convicted on all charges, with Justice Aluthge concluding that the evidence overwhelmingly affirmed their guilt. The court is scheduled to announce their sentences on Friday.
This case serves as a reminder of the importance of evidence in securing justice and highlights how technology can play a critical role in crime resolution. As the sentencing approaches, the community can look forward to a sense of justice being served for the victims of such crimes.
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