A 21-year-old man accused of murdering a taxidriver in Nausori in 2021 has been convicted.
Noeli Jack Tamanikaisau was convicted by Justice Dane Tuiqereqere at the High Court in Suva on Wednesday.
Tamanikaisau was charged with one count of murder and one of robbery involving 60-year-old Satya Pillay on Qiolevu Rd in Nausori on September 26 three years ago.
Court records show that Tamanikaisau, who was 19 at the time, had boarded Pillay’s taxi and led the victim to a quiet farm road where he strangled him.
He took the body and placed it in the boot of the vehicle then drove off after leaving Mr Pillay’s naked body on the side of the road.
Both the State and defence have been directed to file sentencing and mitigating submissions by September 20.
Tamanikaisau is also charged with robbery for stealing Pillay’s mobile phone and $15 cash.
The proceedings in this matter will be called at the next court session, while sentence hearing for the murder conviction is scheduled for October 1.
