Social Protection Minister Lynda Tabuya has been tasked with determining the appropriate facility for a 21-year-old who was convicted of murdering a taxi driver. This directive was given by Justice Dane Tuiqereqere during the sentencing of Noeli Jack Tamanikaisau, who received a 13-year detention term.
Justice Tuiqereqere instructed the prison authorities and court registry to promptly bring this matter to Minister Tabuya’s attention. The judge pointed out that Tamanikaisau would remain in custody until a decision is made by the minister regarding his placement.
The detention order was made in accordance with section 31 of the Juvenile Act. In determining the sentence length, Justice Tuiqereqere took into account the severity of the crime, along with both aggravating and mitigating circumstances, including the defendant’s guilty plea and the time already spent in remand.
Tamanikaisau, who was a first-time offender, was charged with murder and robbery related to the incident involving 60-year-old Satya Pillay on Qiolevu Rd in Sawani three years ago. Court documents revealed that at the age of 17, Tamanikaisau hailed Pillay’s taxi and directed him to a secluded farm road, where he strangled the victim.
After committing the crime, he concealed Pillay’s body in the trunk of the taxi and abandoned it along the roadside, taking with him the victim’s mobile phone, $15 in cash, and other groceries.
In his ruling, the judge emphasized the critical role taxi drivers play in providing accessible and affordable services to the community. He highlighted the need for taxi drivers to feel safe and worthy of protection, condemning the actions that led to the tragic loss of life as driven by greed and criminal intent.