Timoci Matanimeke has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 16 years for killing 59-year-old Nitya Nand on Christmas Eve in 2023 in Samabula.
Matanimeke was convicted of one count of murder, one count of aggravated robbery, and one count of attempted criminal trespass.
He is sentenced to nine years for aggravated robbery and three months for criminal trespass.
Matanimeke appeared before Justice Siaini’u Fa’alogo Bull.
The 20-year-old struck 59-year-old Nitya Nand on the head, face, and cheekbone with a chopper and stole his phone and safety boots.
