A SAVUSAVU mother says she never lost hope during her long journey to Suva, expressing immense gratitude after the High Court in Suva dropped murder charges against her son and a nephew yesterday.
Speaking outside the court, after State lawyer Tevita Naimila filed a nolle prosequi to formally discharge Alexander Vatia Leweniqila and Manoa Vakavunivalu, both 19, Esita Toga described her relief.
“I am so thankful the truth has come out which has led to them being cleared today,” she said.
The two tertiary students were charged with a count of murder alongside 20-year-old Aisake Lovobalavu in connection with the death of Jone Vuinakelo at Nauluvatu Settlement in March this year.
While formally discharging them, Justice Daniel Goundar reminded the two young men that the State retained the right to recharge them in the future.
The case against Mr Lovobalavu will proceed on a reduced charge of manslaughter, to which he has pleaded not guilty.
The mother opened up about the intense public backlash and online scrutiny the family endured while the two young men, who dream of becoming schoolteachers, were facing the murder charge.
“I know a lot of things were said, they swore and spoke negatively. I had to face a lot of those things.”
Reflecting on the legal ordeal, Ms Toga described it as a profound lesson for the two teenagers as they return to their studies.
“Maybe it’s their turning point; I am thankful they will now learn from falling prone to peer pressure and other things like that. I know this will mark a change for them, it will really change them.”
The court heard that Mr Lovobalavu made partial admissions in his caution interview regarding an assault on the victim because the victim was touching the girls during a drinking session.
Despite her relief, Ms Toga said the family remains united in supporting Mr Lovobalavu when his case is called next on June 25 before Justice Pita Bulamainaivalu.
