Convicted murderer Sairusi Ceinaturaga has received a life sentence for the tragic death of his one-year-old stepson at Vunidawa Settlement in Cunningham, an incident that occurred in October of the previous year. Justice Siainiu Fa’alogo Bull announced the verdict at the Suva High Court, where Ceinaturaga was found guilty of one count of murder.
In addition to the murder conviction, Ceinaturaga pleaded guilty to an assault charge against his de facto partner. Justice Bull set a minimum sentence of 18 years, allowing the possibility for Ceinaturaga to petition the Mercy Commission for a pardon after that period.
The case revealed a harrowing account of violence, with reports indicating that Ceinaturaga struck his stepson with a cooking spoon and then inflicted fatal injuries by forcefully hitting the child’s head against a wall. Medical evidence presented in court highlighted that the child suffered from significant head injuries and blood clotting, which were directly attributed to the brutal force employed.
Justice Bull spoke to the immense emotional harm caused to the child’s mother, emphasizing the devastating consequences of such violent acts on families and communities. This case serves as a sobering reminder of the critical importance of addressing and preventing domestic violence and ensuring the protection of vulnerable children. As society grapples with these issues, there is a hopeful call for greater awareness and proactive measures to safeguard families from such tragedies in the future.