Former Police Constable Samuela Sema has been sentenced to eight years in prison for raping and sexually assaulting a fellow officer in Lautoka. The court has mandated that he serves a minimum of six years before he can be considered for parole.
The Lautoka High Court revealed that on September 3, 2023, Sema deceived the victim into entering his room at the police barracks, claiming that another officer wished to see her. Once inside, he locked the door and assaulted her while she was intoxicated and unable to consent.
High Court Judge Justice Aruna Aluthge emphasized that the attack was not random but premeditated, highlighting Sema’s exploitation of a vulnerable colleague who had trusted him. The judge expressed that the sentence was meant to reflect public outrage and serve as a warning against similar crimes, which have seen an increase.
The court heard that the victim suffered significant trauma, resulting in nearly three weeks away from work. Justice Aluthge described Sema’s actions as marked by a deliberate intent driven by “lustful demands.”
In considering mitigating factors, the court acknowledged that Sema is a 28-year-old first offender, married with two children, and had cooperated with authorities while spending a month in remand. The judge set a baseline sentence of seven years, adding two years for the severity of the crime, but then subtracted one year for mitigating circumstances, leading to the eight-year sentence.
Addressing the broader context, Justice Aluthge noted the increasing number of sexual offenses and emphasized the need for the courts to impose strong, deterrent sentences to protect society. Sema now has a window of 30 days to appeal the verdict.
This case highlights a troubling trend of sexual offenses within institutions of trust and the judiciary’s commitment to addressing such issues with serious consequences, reinforcing the imperative for accountability and protection for vulnerable individuals in society.