In Suva, the trial of Sairusi Ceinaturaga resumed this morning as the mother of his alleged victim recalled her son’s last words in court.
Mary Radiniwaqa, the mother, said she heard her younger son call out “Ma” one final time before she rushed to his room and found him dead. She testified that Ceinaturaga, who is the father of the child’s sibling, had a history of violence in the home, including daily attacks on the children and on her.
Radiniwaqa told the court that she and Ceinaturaga had met on Facebook and soon began living together. After moving in with her older son, her younger son joined them in October. On the day the incident is alleged to have occurred, Ceinaturaga had left for work and returned about an hour later. The witness described how Ceinaturaga would regularly strike the children and, on that day, beat them with a silver spoon.
She recounted how she attempted to separate her younger son from Ceinaturaga but was chased out of the room. She then saw Ceinaturaga carrying the child around the house, with blood from the nose and food in the child’s mouth. The boy was handed to Radiniwaqa, who took him to a room and warmed water for him. While in the kitchen, she heard him call “Ma” and hurried back only to find the child had died.
Radiniwaqa said she urged Ceinaturaga to take the child to hospital, but the family did not go to hospital from about 4 pm until 7 pm that night. When they eventually arrived at CWM Hospital, police were called, and Ceinaturaga reportedly told authorities that the boy had fallen.
The mother’s older child also testified in the case, though that testimony was heard behind closed doors.
The case against Ceinaturaga includes murder and serious assault charges related to the death of the one-year-old boy in Cunningham, Suva, last October. He has previously faced scrutiny over allegations of abuse within the family, including the mother’s accounts of daily violent conduct.
Legal observers note that bail has been a key issue in proceedings related to this matter, with prior hearings indicating that Ceinaturaga’s bail had been denied and that the case would proceed in the High Court. The State is expected to call multiple witnesses, including a pathologist, a crime-scene photographer, and a doctor, as the trial continues. The defense has indicated it will not call witnesses.
This case has drawn attention to the broader issue of domestic violence and the safety of vulnerable children, emphasizing the need for continued support for victims and stronger protective measures within families.
Additional commentary:
– The ongoing testimony highlights the impact of domestic violence on young children and the long-term emotional and physical consequences for families.
– The proceedings reinforce the importance of timely medical and legal responses to suspected child abuse.
– Community awareness and reporting mechanisms remain crucial in safeguarding children in households where abuse is suspected.
Summary:
– Mary Radiniwaqa testified about her son’s last words and the sequence of events on the day of the incident.
– Ceinaturaga is facing murder and serious assault charges related to the death of the one-year-old.
– The case has a history of alleged domestic abuse within the household; bail issues and High Court proceedings are ongoing.
– The trial is expected to continue with additional witnesses, while the broader conversation about child safety and domestic violence continues.
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