Two men have been convicted for the aggravated robbery of a retired schoolteacher and her disabled son, an incident that occurred on January 22, 2023. The High Court in Suva reached a verdict against Jashneel Pillay and Mosese Vuniwai, who both engaged in the frightening act during the early hours of the morning.
Justice Pita Bulamainaivalu presided over the case, finding Vuniwai guilty not only of robbery but also of serious assault linked to the same incident. The court heard that Pillay, Vuniwai, and a third accomplice, Joseva Tuidama—who has since pleaded guilty—entered the victims’ bedroom while they were asleep. During the crime, one assailant placed a cane knife against the woman’s neck and covered her mouth, while the others scavenged for valuables.
Their escape plan was foiled when police apprehended them shortly after the robbery. Tuidama was sentenced to five years and four months in prison on November 10, 2023, with a non-parole period of four years.
In his ruling, Justice Bulamainaivalu noted the strong credibility of the prosecution witnesses, emphasizing that their consistent testimonies added significant weight to their evidence. Prosecution lawyer Pooja Mishra successfully demonstrated all elements of the offenses beyond a reasonable doubt, leading to the convictions.
Both Pillay and Vuniwai remain in custody and are scheduled for sentencing submissions to be filed by March 18, with a court date set for March 25, 2024. The case underscores the judicial system’s commitment to holding offenders accountable and delivering justice to victims of violent crime.
This conviction is an important step towards addressing community safety and demonstrates the judicial system’s effectiveness in responding to serious offenses. It reinforces the notion that justice can prevail, providing hope to victims that the legal system is functioning to protect their interests and restore their sense of security.
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