A man previously convicted for theft is now free after the High Court’s decision accounted for his time in custody during the trial. Josaia Qeteqetelevu faced charges for stealing items from three different businesses in a single day. Justice Waleen George sentenced him to six months for each of three theft-related charges, to be served concurrently. However, since Qeteqetelevu had already spent eight months in detention during his trial, Justice George ruled that he had effectively completed his sentence. The thefts, occurring on October 17 and 18, 2022, targeted Prasad’s Friendly Enterprise, Sultan Traders Pte Limited, and Zoom Fitness Centre and Restaurant. Qeteqetelevu had hidden the stolen goods in a vacant home where he was a caretaker.
In a separate legal matter, the Nadi Magistrate’s Court dismissed a civil claim against the Commissioner of Police and the Attorney-General. Vinod Kamal, the plaintiff, alleged negligence following a 2017 break-in. After initial legal proceedings did not progress due to the absence of case files, resulting in the accused’s acquittal, Kamal sought damages from the authorities. Magistrate Setavana Saumata determined the case lacked legal merit and struck it out without ordering costs.
In another case, a married man was sentenced to nine years in prison for the 2023 rape of a mother-of-five, following a guilty verdict by the High Court. Justice Aruna Aluthge set a non-parole period of seven years, highlighting the prosecution’s success in proving the rape beyond doubt. The incident was exacerbated by physical assault, adding to the victim’s degradation and humiliation.
These cases illustrate different facets of the judicial process, from addressing time served in custody to the complexities of civil claims against police duties and the severity of sentences for violent crimes. Each highlights judicial decisions balancing legal precedent, facts, and circumstances surrounding each case.
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