Tevita Kapawale has been found guilty on all charges over the killings of five crew members aboard the FV Tiro 2 in May 2021.
Delivering his judgment at the Suva High Court, Justice Dane Tuiqereqere convicted Kapawale on five counts of murder, one count of attempted murder, and one count of criminal intimidation.
The victims — Benjamin Mattaputty, Eme Warma, Alfat Kodri, Samuela Sukera, and Qiritavabea Cagilabakomeli— were killed during while the vessel was in waters between the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands.
Justice Tuiqereqere said he was satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that Kapawale committed all seven charges.
He described the surviving crew members, Kaminieli Tucama and Mitiieli Cama, as “believable and honest” witnesses whose testimonies aligned with the accounts of other witnesses. He also rejected all arguments raised by the defence, including claims that the survivors could not have hidden in the fish hold and engine room for over 30 hours. He highlighted, one of the critical evidence came from Kapawale’s own statement that Tucama and Cama had been steering the ship at speed during the incident. However, maritime surveillance showed the vessel was stationary and drifting, roughly 90km from the nearest land, making it impossible for anyone who jumped overboard to have survived.
Justice Tuiqereqere also considered Kapawale’s admissions to a relative, a journalist, and police.
Kapawale sat upright, appearing emotionless throughout, and glanced only once toward the back of the courtroom as the verdict was read.He has been remanded in custody.
Sentencing is set for July 29.
