A 30-year-old farmer, Taniela Tuivono, has been sentenced to 11 months in prison after pleading guilty to setting fire to a sugarcane farm in Kabisi, Sigatoka.
Tuivono appeared before Resident Magistrate Joseph Daurewa in the Sigatoka Magistrates Court, where he admitted to one count of Setting Fire to Crops and Growing Plants contrary to section 364 of the Crimes Act.
Tuivono set fire to a farm owned by 57-year-old farmer Parmil Deo. The court heard that he fled after seeing the owner approach. He later admitted to the offence during a caution interview and repeated the admission in court.
The State prosecutor informed the court that the damage to the cane was valued at $15,000, describing it as a significant loss.
In mitigation, Tuivono told the court he was married, earned about $200 a week, and could not compensate the victim. He also said he acted because the farm “had too much rubbish in it” and expressed remorse for his actions.
Magistrate Daurewa acknowledged his guilty plea, remorse, and status as a first-time offender, but emphasised the seriousness of the offence.
“The aggravating factor here is the value of the sugar cane crops which is valued at $15,000, a significant sum,” the magistrate said in his November 10 ruling.
Tuivono’s prison term is to be served immediately. He has 28 days to appeal.
