The fourth prosecution witness in the trial of a couple charged with manslaughter, who interviewed the father of the baby told the Suva High Court that the 1-year-10 months old baby died at 7am on the 28th of February 2013 at his home in Sawanikula, Dawasamu.
34-year-old Petero Taitusi and 29-year-old Loata Vitalina of Sawanikula, Dawasamu are charged with a count each of manslaughter arising from the breach of their duties.
Police Officer Josua Vosaki who interviewed Petero Taitusi read out the recorded interview in court.
The court heard that the baby got sick at 3am on the 28th of February 2013.
In the interview, Taitusi said that when the baby got sick he picked him up and massaged his back.
Taitusi told Police that he and his wife went to the mataqali chief’s house to present yaqona on that day at 6.50am and the baby passed away at 7am.
The court heard that the baby was at home with Taitusi's mother's eldest sister when he passed away.
Taitusi told Police that when the baby got sick at 3am and when he passed away at 7am that morning, he did not get any medical attention in four hours.
During examination in chief, prosecution lawyer Susan Serukai asked Vosaki how long it takes to go from Sawanikula to Vunidawa Health Centre.
Vosaki told the court that it will take one and half hours to drive from Sawanikula to the health centre.
During cross examination, the defence lawyer, Lisiate Qetaki suggested that due to road conditions back in 2013 it would have taken two and a half hours to travel from Sawanikula to Vunidawa Health Centre.
Vosaki did not agree with the suggestion.
Qetaki then suggested that it is very hard to get mobile reception in Sawanikula.
The trial continues.
