Semesa Bokini has been sentenced to life imprisonment by the High Court in Lautoka after being found guilty of aggravated robbery, attempted rape, and murder. The court’s ruling mandates that Bokini must serve a minimum of 16 years in prison before being eligible for parole.
The charges stem from an incident that occurred on January 5, 2019, in Korovou, Tavua, where Bokini, armed with a piece of timber, robbed a couple of four mobile phones valued at $3,500. The victims were identified in court as Mohammed Shafique and a woman, whose name has been kept confidential.
During the trial, it was established that Bokini attempted to sexually assault the female complainant without her consent and subsequently murdered Shafique. The prosecution presented 15 witnesses and several pieces of evidence.
Justice Riyaz Hamza, who presided over the case, emphasized that evidence demonstrated Bokini had used force against the victims and had intended to cause serious harm. He highlighted the severity of the offenses, stating that Bokini’s actions led to the death of Shafique, under circumstances where he displayed complete disregard for the victims’ rights and safety.
Bokini has been granted a 30-day period to file an appeal against his sentence.
This case serves as a reminder of the judicial system’s commitment to holding individuals accountable for acts of violence and highlighting the importance of community safety. The sentencing may provide some measure of justice to the victims and their families, reinforcing the message that such crimes will not be tolerated.
Leave a comment