A 48-year-old man has been sentenced to nearly 12 years in prison for the manslaughter of his wife in a deeply tragic case of domestic violence. Sairusi Maqosa was handed an 11-year and 11-month sentence by the Labasa High Court after being found guilty of the brutal attack that took place in April 2023.
The court revealed that Maqosa severely assaulted his wife by repeatedly kicking her in the head at their residence in Malau, resulting in traumatic brain injuries. Unfortunately, she remained in a vegetative state for nearly a month before succumbing to her injuries in the hospital.
During the sentencing, the judge highlighted the grave nature of the crime, pointing out the breach of trust inherent in domestic violence situations and the fact that the attack occurred in a typically safe environment—home. These factors were significant in determining the harshness of Maqosa’s sentence.
After serving a minimum of seven years and 11 months, Maqosa will be eligible for parole. This tragic incident underscores the harrowing issue of domestic violence and its devastating impact on victims and their families, serving as a reminder of the need for continued awareness and action against such violence in society.