26-year-old Kaline Masibalavu has been found guilty of murdering 25-year-old Sanaila Bavesi outside Suva Harbour Centre in November 2024 by High Court Judge Justice Thushara Rajasinghe this morning.
In his judgment, Justice Rajasinghe dismissed Masibalavu’s defence that he was acting in self-defence.
He said the four stab wounds inflicted on Bavesi were coordinated and voluntary acts.
Justice Rajasinghe said evidence presented in court showed that Bavesi, who was at one of the hotdog stalls, had told Masibalavu, his sister and his partner to buy hotdogs and sausages.
He said Masibalavu felt the comment was made in a disparaging manner, leading to an argument and an exchange of punches.
The fight was stopped and Masibalavu left the area but returned to the stalls, where he was attacked again by Bavesi.
During the fight, Masibalavu took a knife from one of the stalls and stabbed Bavesi multiple times.
Bavesi, covered in blood, then walked towards the bridge and was subsequently taken to hospital, where he died from his injuries.
Masibalavu will be sentenced on 11th September.
