A 59-year-old man has been jailed after admitting to causing the death of his nephew, Mateo Vakatuturagana.
A High Court in Suva handed down the sentence, following the incident in September 2022.
Samuela Bale Rabuatoka accidentally punched his nephew in the chin while trying to chase two youths who were trying to steal their car. Vakatuturagana fell and suffered fatal head injuries. According to the court, Rabuatoka and Vakatuturagana had been drinking with other friends when the two unknown youths showed up.
Rabuatoka pleaded guilty to the charge earlier in September 2024, admitting to his actions during the police investigation.
Justice Rajasinghe acknowledged Rabuatoka’s remorse and cooperation with police, as well as his traditional apology to the victim’s family. Given the circumstances, the court partially suspended the sentence. Rabuatoka will serve 18 months in prison, with the remaining 18 months suspended for three years. He had already spent six months in remand, reducing his time in custody to 12 months.
Rabuatoka has 30 days to appeal the decision.
