The Appeals Court has rejected the appeal of Ilaisa Sousou Cava, one of two men convicted for the brutal murder of a taxi driver 15 years ago. Cava, along with his co-defendant Netani Nute, was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 16 years on November 28, 2008, which also included an additional seven-month sentence for the unlawful use of a motor vehicle during the crime.
The court documents reveal that on August 24, 2007, Cava and Nute requested a taxi from Albert Park in Suva. Upon arriving in Veisari, they physically assaulted and ultimately killed the driver. The details describe a horrifying scene where the victim was repeatedly punched, dragged over gravel, and subjected to strangulation with a rope before being hung from a nearby bridge.
Cava, who has a long history of criminal activity with 22 previous convictions, including violent offenses, remains imprisoned following this ruling. A forensic examination indicated evidence of the driver’s struggle against his assailants, confirming the severity of the attack.
The ruling was delivered by Justices Isikeli Mataitoga, Karen Clark, and Gerard Winter who presided over the case last month.
This case, while tragic, highlights the judicial system’s commitment to upholding justice, ensuring that perpetrators of violent crimes are held accountable for their actions. The decision to quash the appeal reinforces the importance of maintaining public safety and delivering justice for victims and their families.
Overall, while the details of this incident are grim, it is a reminder of the need for vigilance in community safety and the continuous support for those affected by violence.
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