Former Police Constable Samuela Sema has received an eight-year prison sentence for the rape and sexual assault of a fellow officer in Lautoka. The court has stipulated that he must serve a minimum of six years before being eligible for parole.
During the proceedings at the Lautoka High Court, it was revealed that on September 3, 2023, Sema lured the victim into his room at the police barracks under the false pretense that another officer wanted to see her. Once the victim entered, he locked the door and assaulted her while she was intoxicated and unable to give consent.
High Court Judge Justice Aruna Aluthge characterized the assault as premeditated rather than random, illustrating Sema’s manipulation of a colleague who had entrusted him. The judge emphasized that the sentence reflects public outrage over the increasing incidence of sexual crimes and is intended as a deterrent against such actions.
The court was informed that the victim endured severe psychological trauma, causing her to be absent from work for nearly three weeks. Justice Aluthge condemned Sema’s behavior as one driven by “lustful demands,” highlighting the deliberate nature of his actions.
While considering mitigating factors, the court noted Sema’s status as a first-time offender at the age of 28, his family responsibilities—including a spouse and two children—and his cooperation with the authorities during the legal process, which included a month in remand. The judge initially set a baseline sentence of seven years but adjusted it by adding two years for the severity of the crime and reducing it by one year due to mitigating circumstances, resulting in the final eight-year sentence.
Justice Aluthge also pointed to the rising trend of sexual offenses and stressed the judiciary’s responsibility to impose significant penalties to safeguard the community. Following the verdict, Sema has 30 days to file an appeal.
This case sheds light on the disturbing rise of sexual offenses within trusted institutions and underscores the commitment of the legal system to impose serious repercussions for such violations, reinforcing the necessity for accountability and the protection of vulnerable individuals within society.