Tevita Qaqa Kapawale has been found guilty of multiple serious charges, including the mass murder of five crew members aboard the fishing vessel MV Tiro II on May 18, 2021. The Suva High Court, under Justice Dane Tuiqereqere, delivered the conviction on Friday after the prosecution successfully established beyond a reasonable doubt that Kapawale was responsible for the heinous acts that led to the deaths of three Indonesian nationals and two Fijian individuals.
The court identified the victims as chief engineer Eme Warme, chief cook Alfat Kodri, Benjamin Matitatuputty, Samuela Sukera, and Qiritivabea Cagilabakomeli. Notably, the prosecution’s case was bolstered by testimonies from survivors Kaminieli Tucama and Mitieli Cama, despite the absence of physical evidence, such as recovered bodies. Kapawale was also charged with attempted murder for trying to kill Tucama and criminal intimidation towards Cama, who testified against him.
During the proceedings, the judge pointed to the consistency and credibility of the witnesses’ accounts, which were considered pivotal in the court’s judgment. Justice Tuiqereqere expressed skepticism towards the defense’s expert witnesses, determining that their testimonies did not suffice to challenge the prosecution’s case.
Kapawale’s sentencing hearing has been set for July 29, with all parties required to submit their written arguments by July 25. He is represented by Legal Aid lawyers Tobia Ravuniwa and Etonia Veibataki, while the prosecution is led by Samisoni Eoghn and Triveshni Sharma from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
This case stands as a significant development in the discourse on maritime safety and justice, addressing the grave implications of actions at sea and underscoring the judicial system’s commitment to ensuring accountability in severe criminal matters. Moreover, there is hope that this ruling might initiate improvements in safety regulations for vessels, thereby enhancing protections for all who work at sea. The community awaits the forthcoming sentencing, hopeful for a resolution that brings some semblance of closure to the affected families.
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