High Court Judge Justice Daine Tuiqereqere underscored the necessity for expert witnesses to be fully informed before providing testimony in court during the ongoing murder case of Tevita Qaqa Kapawale. This statement came after witness Savenaca Kadavi testified this morning.
Justice Tuiqereqere addressed the defense, represented by lawyer Tobia Ravuniwa, emphasizing that expert witnesses must have a comprehensive understanding of the case facts prior to giving their opinions. Although the court acknowledged Kadavi’s extensive 39 years of experience, there were still some concerns regarding his testimony.
Ravuniwa announced plans to call two additional expert witnesses next week, one an engineer from Solanda Shipping, and the other affiliated with the Fiji Maritime Academy. Kapawale faces multiple grave charges, including five counts of murder and an additional count each of attempted murder and criminal intimidation. He is accused of the murders of Benjamin Mattaputty, Eme Warma, Alfat Kodri, Samuela Sukera, and Qiritavabea Cagilabakomeli, as well as the attempted murder of Kaminieli Tucama and intimidation of Mitieli Cama.
The trial has been postponed until Wednesday at 9:30 am, with Kapawale remaining in remand.
This case highlights the judicial system’s commitment to thoroughness and fairness. It is a reminder of the complexities that arise in serious legal matters and the priority placed on due process within the court system. The careful consideration of expert testimonies and the ensuring of adequate pretrial disclosures reflects an effort to uphold justice for both the defendants and victims involved. The community’s interest in these proceedings speaks to the importance of maintaining transparency and accountability in the legal process.
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