THE father of one of the two men discharged from the murder of Police Constable Peniasi Racagi said his family could finally begin healing after months of heartbreak and uncertainty.
The State filed a discontinuance (nolle prosequi) yesterday morning because of insufficient evidence, resulting in the discharge of Keni Salawai, 42, and Jope Seniloli, 20, in the High Court in Suva.
Speaking to this newspaper from his home yesterday, Mr Salawai’s father, Epeli Lakoisolomone, said the family believed that truth would set him free.
“The truth will always prevail, and it has,” he said.
Mr Lakoisolomone said the murder charge had torn their family apart and deeply affected Mr Salawai’s three young sons.
“It caused a drift in our family and led to his children being separated from him.
“The youngest moved back to his mother while the other two stayed with Keni’s siblings here in Lami.”
Mr Salawai’s eldest child is in Year 7, the second child is in Year 4 and the youngest is in Year 1.
Mr Lakoisolomone said his son had always been a caring father and son who was known in the community for helping others.
“He’s never known to be a bad drunk or to cause fights in the community,” he said. Even now he is helping me with my brother by staying overnight at the hospital and he has gone to pick him up from hospital as we speak.”
Mr Lakoisolomone said the family hoped the discharge would allow Mr Salawai to rebuild his life and reunite with his children.
“Now that he is free from this charge, he can look for work again and help support his family, especially his children.”
Justice Daniel Goundar told the men that although the proceedings had been terminated, the State could still reinstate charges in the future.
