Life Sentence Welcomed by CCF

The life sentence given to the two police officers convicted for the murder of Tevita Malasebe has been welcomed by the Citizens Constitutional forum.

CCF's Chief Executive Officer, Reverend Akuila Yabaki, said the life sentence is appropriate given the gravity of the offence.

He said it was sad to see that police officers, who are responsible for enforcing the law, had taken advantage of helpless citizens through an act of inhumane violence resulting in the loss of life.

Reverend Yabaki said there is a serious need to look at the behavior of police officers. He said the National council for Building a Better Fiji task teams would be looking at the role of the disciplined forces. He said the case made it more important that the role of the police and the military is examined in the charter process and measures are taken to solve the issue.

The comment came after the three police officers found guilty for the murder of Tevita Malasebe were sentenced to jail by the High Court yesterday afternoon.

Lole Vulaca and Rusiate Korovusere were sentenced to life in prison while Sergeant Pita Matai, who was found guilty of accessory to murder, was sentenced to 2 years imprisonment.