Court

Man gets suspended sentence for manslaughter

April 26, 2019 2:13 pm

A 59-year-old retired military officer who wanted to do a citizen’s arrest but ended up killing a 22-year old man in Raiwai almost four-years ago has been handed a suspended sentence by the Suva High court in the last hour.

Wame Waqavanua was charged with one count of murder of a 22-year-old man in Raiwai in November 2015 however he was found guilty of the lesser charge of manslaughter.

The court heard that on November 23rd, 2015 – Waqavanua used a tree branch and attacked the victim who had broken into his new car in Kia street in Raiwai, Suva.

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As a result, the victim sustained serious injuries on his head.

He was taken to the hospital where he died after a few hours.

The High court Judge said that according to the reports of the Raiwaqa Police station, twenty cars are broken into this area every month and people were living in fear of their property and their life.

The Judge said that the incident has caused heartache to the family however the incident started due to the deceased’s intoxicated behavior.

The Judge also said that the public should not be discouraged from making citizen’s arrest but to remain within the law.

Waqavanua has been sentenced to three -years imprisonment suspended for three years.