A 50-YEAR-OLD security guard convicted of murder was sentenced to life with a non-parole period of 16-years on Monday.
Justice Pita Bulamainaivalu convicted Joni Raciri of the murder of Nanise Rorovanua Saukitoga, 21, and an act with intent to cause grievous harm by attempting to strike Setaita Rasea, 18, with a garden hoe.
The High Court court heard that on June 9 last year, Raciri was drinking alcohol at his boss’ residence with the young women. He then locked the main gate which scared Ms Rasea who began to cry.
Around 8.30pm, Raciri was angered when he overheard the women wanting to leave. They requested he open the gate, but the angry Racific grabbed a garden hoe and hit Saukitoga in the face several times.
He continued to strike her face even as she lay motionless on the ground.
Ms Rasea had her arm struck with the same weapon as she tried to climb over the locked gate.
In mitigation, it was revealed Raciri is a divorcee with two children aged 20 and 15. He has 30 days to appeal against his sentence.
