The State has urged the Magistrate’s Court in Suva to impose a deterrent sentence on two men who violently robbed a pharmacy in Suva last year.
Harry Smith Draunidalo and Jese Nayavusoate, jointly charged with two counts of aggravated robbery, pleaded guilty to the August 29, 2025, incident that was caught on a CCTV camera.
The court heard that the men stormed into a pharmacy on Moti St, Suva, at night armed with a meat chopper and an empty wine bottle.
Prosecutor Alifereti Takalaivuna described the level of violence as excessive, noting one of the men attempted to strike the victims with the chopper.
The total value of stolen items and cash, amounting to $4815, has been fully recovered.
Mr Takalaivuna said the two disregarded the safety of the victims, who provided essential pharmacy services to the public. He said there was a rising trend of robberies targeting businesses.
The two, who have been remanded in prison for seven months, will be sentenced on March 13.
