The ongoing murder case against Tevita Kapawale, who faces five counts of murder and charges of attempted murder and criminal intimidation linked to the tragic events aboard the Fishing Vessel Tiro II in 2021, continues to unfold in the High Court of Suva. The legal proceedings have recently seen significant developments as both the defense and prosecution presented their final arguments before Justice Daine Tuiqereqere.
Kapawale, who has maintained his innocence, listened attentively as his defense attorney, Tobia Ravuniwa, highlighted numerous inconsistencies in witness testimonies. These inconsistencies pertain to the survival accounts of two key witnesses, amid claims that surviving in an unsealed fish hold and engine room for extended periods was implausible. Additionally, Ravuniwa emphasized that the admission statements provided by Kapawale were mischaracterized and lacked proper basis due to ethical concerns raised by the interview conducted by Fiji Sun journalist, Ivamere Nataro.
In rebuttal, state prosecutor Triveshni Sharma underscored that the prosecution had more than enough evidence to establish Kapawale’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. This included his confessions made in conversations with friends, and during interrogation sessions with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). The prosecution argued that despite defense claims regarding inconsistencies, such discrepancies are not uncommon in trials and do not invalidate the evidence sufficiently supporting their case.
The case centers around the deaths of five crew members aboard the FV Tiro II, comprised of three Indonesian nationals and two Fijian men, during an incident on May 18, 2021. The court is set to deliver its ruling on May 23 after extending Kapawale’s production order.
Given the serious nature of the allegations and the ongoing legal complexity, this case highlights the critical importance of meticulous evidence assessment and the judicial system’s commitment to ensuring justice. As the court proceedings continue to draw public interest, there remains hope for clarity and resolution for all parties involved, particularly the families seeking justice for their loved ones. This case may also serve as a pivotal learning opportunity regarding maritime safety protocols, aiming for future prevention of similar tragedies.
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