The trial for two men accused of robbing a 57-year-old woman and her disabled son is set to take place over the next two weeks, beginning today. Mosese Vuniwai and Jashneel Pillay face charges of aggravated robbery related to an incident that allegedly occurred on January 22 of last year.
The defendants, along with a third accomplice—who has since pleaded guilty and been sentenced—are accused of entering the victims’ bedroom while they were asleep around midnight. One man reportedly silenced the woman by placing his hand over her mouth and threatening her with a cane knife, while the others searched the home for valuables.
The group attempted to escape in a vehicle but was intercepted by police. During a hearing on September 4 in the High Court in Suva, only Vuniwai was present, as a bench warrant had been issued for Pillay due to his unknown whereabouts. It was confirmed in court that Pillay is not held in any remand facilities.
The co-accused, Joseva Tuidama, pleaded guilty to the charges last year and was sentenced to five years and four months in prison, with a non-parole period of four years.