A man who brutally murdered a 35-year-old woman in Lami two years ago has been sentenced to mandatory life imprisonment.

Arvind Chand Rai was convicted of one count of murder and one count of arson.

The 47-year-old has been sentenced to 10-years’ imprisonment for arson.

Rai murdered Fai Yen Chen in July 2020.

The court heard that Rai befriended the deceased and her husband in 2015 and since then the couple had been assisting him financially.

High Court Judge Justice Salesi Temo said Rai knew that the couple were successful business people and often kept large amounts of cash at their residence to finance their business operations.

On July 21, 2020, after 8.30 p.m., Rai went to the couple’s shop, which also housed their residence in Lami, where he had a verbal argument with Chen.

The court heard that Chen’s husband was away overseas during that time.

After the argument, Rai went upstairs to Chen’s residence, where he was carrying out repairs on their leaking roof.

Justice Temo said Rai was seen strangling Chen and dragging her towards a room.

He assaulted Chen with his fist and a blunt object, causing extensive injuries to her face and neck.

He then stole money, set the house on fire, and walked out of their shop.

Chen was found unconscious by firefighters who were responding to a report of a fire at her residence.

Justice Temo said Rai’s criminal behaviour has caused the family untold misery.

The High Court Judge also said that his actions and behavior were the height of all evil and that he was motivated by greed.

Rai will have to serve a minimum sentence of 28- years- imprisonment before a pardon may be considered by the President

The sentence will be served concurrently.