They are loyal-Colonel Driti

The eight soldiers and one police officer who assaulted 19 year old Nadi resident Sakiusa Rabaka, which resulted in his death, will be sentenced this afternoon.

This morning Fiji Military Force Land Force Commander Colonel Pita Driti mitigated on behalf of the eight soldiers in the Lautoka High Court.

The soldiers were found guilty of manslaughter in relation to Sakiusa Rabaka's death in January 2007.

In a packed courtroom of friends and relatives of Rabaka and the accused persons and uniformed soldiers, Colonel Driti said the soldiers were loyal, obedient, hardworking and highly disciplined and all of them have a clean record without any previous conviction.

He added that the soldiers have shown signs of endurance in the assignments they were assigned to.

Meanwhile, Police Superintendent Salacieli Naivilawasa mitigated on behalf of Constable Patrick Nayacalagilagi.

SP Naivilawasa said Nayacalagilagi has served with dignity, honesty and dedication.

He said the constable is married with three children and has suffered mentally and physically since 2007.

He also said that no one is supporting the constable's family.

Justice Daniel Gounder has adjourned the case to 2pm for sentencing of the eight soldiers, Taione Lua, Ulaiasi Radike, Etonia Nadura, Ratunaisa Toutou, Joeli Lesavua, Jona Nareki, Ilaisa Kurimavua, Napolioni Naulia and Police officer Patrick Nayacalagilagi.