The trial of Tevita Kapawale, who faces multiple charges including five counts of murder, continues in Suva High Court. The prosecution’s second state witness, Mitieli Cama, has come under scrutiny from Kapawale’s defense lawyer, Tobia Ravuniwa, who has accused him of providing false testimony.
Cama is one of the few survivors from the Fishing Vessel Tiro II, where a violent incident led to the death of five crew members on May 18, 2021. During the court proceedings, Cama’s account of the events was challenged, with Ravuniwa pointing out inconsistencies in his statements compared to police interviews and his cross-examination.
When questioned by State Lawyer Triveshni Sharma, Cama stated that he did not see Kapawale attacking the other crew members directly, although he did observe Kapawale standing over one of the victims as another crew member was gravely injured. Cama also described a threatening encounter with Kapawale, who allegedly told him to remain in the fish hold if he wished to survive. He was reportedly trapped in that space for more than 30 hours.
The defense further questioned the presence of a bilge pump on the vessel. Initially, Cama testified that it was onboard, but later retracted that statement, indicating they had to use buckets instead to manage the incoming water.
As the trial proceeds, the court seeks to untangle the complex events surrounding this tragedy, with both sides preparing to bolster their arguments as the testimonies unfold.
This case underscores the importance of thorough evidence collection and the challenges faced in delivering justice in serious criminal matters. The outcomes will be closely watched, not only for the implications it holds for those involved but also for the broader legal context in which similar grievances are addressed.
Comments