A 62-year-old man convicted of causing the death of another during a heated confrontation at sea has been sentenced to two years and six months’ imprisonment, with a non-parole period of six months.
Justice Thushara Rajasinghe convicted Muritikei Rasiga of one count of manslaughter and one count of assault arising from an incident on January 27, 2023, at Qamea Island in Taveuni.
The High Court in Labasa heard during trial that Rasiga was fishing near the island when the victim and two other men passed by in another boat.
The victim and his male companion were intoxicated and were shouting and swearing as they went past.
Rasiga followed them and confronted the group, asking why they were swearing at him.
During the confrontation, he struck the victim on the head with a wooden oar, leading to a heated altercation.
The victim’s companion then began throwing beer bottles at Rasiga and challenged him to return to shore for a fight.
As both boats headed towards the shore, Rasiga accelerated towards the victim’s boat at high speed before suddenly veering away. As Rasiga’s boat approached, the victim stood up and jumped into the sea.
His body was discovered several days later.
According to the February 19 ruling, Rasiga held the position of “Mata – ni – Tikina” for “Tikina o Laucala”, serving the community.
