A couple whose negligence resulted in their two-year-old daughter suffering fatal burns has received suspended sentences from the High Court in Lautoka.
The court was informed that rather than seeking medical help for their injured child, the parents opted to take her to a traditional masseuse, whose remedies proved ineffective.
Mosese Vokula, 37, and Salaseini Dicaki, 38, were found guilty of manslaughter due to a breach of duty. Records indicate that on January 21, 2018, while they were preparing water in an electric kettle, Vokula removed their daughter’s diaper to allow her to go outside. Unfortunately, as she moved, she became entangled in the kettle’s lead wire, slipped, and fell backward into the hot water.
Instead of taking their daughter to the hospital after the accident, they sought help from a traditional masseuse, who claimed expertise in treating burns with ancestral methods. The 61-year-old healer advised the couple to take their daughter to Nadi hospital after her treatment, but they chose to return home instead.
The following day, when they returned to the masseuse, she observed no improvement in the child’s condition and once again urged them to seek hospital care. Although the couple ultimately agreed, their daughter was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.
A post-mortem examination indicated that the child suffered approximately 16 percent burns to her body.
In their defense, the couple expressed deep remorse for their actions and committed to not repeating the offense. Justice Riyaz Hamza addressed the couple, acknowledging their loss and the significant emotional and psychological trauma they had experienced as a result of the tragedy.
Taking these factors into account, Justice Hamza concluded that the couple had a high likelihood of rehabilitation and deemed it appropriate to suspend their sentences.