The High Court in Suva recently denied a request from state prosecutors to return three satellite beacons that are central to a murder trial involving Tevita Kapawale. Kapawale is accused of killing five individuals on the fishing vessel MV Tiro II in Fiji’s waters in 2021.
State prosecutor Triveshni Sharma argued that the beacons, valued at approximately $700 (FJD 1,600) with additional monthly charges for airtime, are currently sitting in an exhibition room and could be better utilized if returned to their owner, Green Tuna Fisheries Company Limited, which has since acquired a new fishing vessel.
Sharma emphasized that there are photographs of the beacons that could be used during the trial, making their physical presence in the court less essential. In a handwritten letter, Kapawale expressed his concerns regarding the request, while his legal representative, Tobia Ravuniwa from the Legal Aid Commission, called for a fair consideration of both the accused’s needs and the owners’ interests.
Justice Tuiqereqere ultimately sided with Kapawale, recognizing the significance of the trial scheduled for early January and the potential inconvenience that further delaying the beacons’ return could cause to the accused. The case will be reconvened on December 13, with the trial now set for January 14 to 16 and 27 to 31. A production order for the beacons has also been extended.
This outcome highlights the importance of balancing interests in legal proceedings, ensuring that both the needs of the accused and the obligations of evidence handling are appropriately managed. As the trial date approaches, there is hope that justice will be served fairly and equitably for all parties involved.
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