A couple has been given a suspended sentence by the Lautoka High Court for failing to take their daughter to a medical facility after she suffered burns, which ultimately led to her death.
Parents of 18 month old Sereana Nainoka, Mere Naivalu and Viliame Tuivanua have been convicted with a charge of manslaughter arising from breach of duty.
The court heard that on 22nd April 2017, at around 6.30pm, Naivalu, who was unwell at the time, boiled some water and poured it into a bucket before going outside to fill a basin with cold water. While she was outside, the toddler tipped the bucket over herself inside the house, suffering severe burns.
Naivalu heard her daughter's cries and came running, before taking her to her neighbour where they bathed her in cold water. Her neighbour then suggested that Naivalu take her daughter to Losalini Mateiwai, a woman from Beqa, who is known for traditionally healing burns.
High Court Judge Justice Sekonaia Vodokisolomone says Mateiwai touched the burns which soothed the pain for Sereana allowing her to finally sleep after which she advised Naivalu to take her daughter to get medical attention.
Justice Vodokisolomone says when Naivalu brought her daughter to Mateiwai the next day, she again advised her to take her to the hospital.
He says when Naivalu finally took her daughter to the hospital, Resort nurse Maraia Kamikamica immediately applied burn cream to the affected areas and gave Sereana some ORS through a syringe.
She immediately recommended that Sereana be transferred to the Nadi Hospital for further treatment.
Sereana was rushed back to the resort hospital by her father, Tuivanua, who became concerned about her condition. However, upon examining the child, Kamikamica confirmed that Sereana had died.
A post-mortem examination conducted at Lautoka Hospital found that Sereana died from sepsis, with the underlying causes identified as infected mixed-thickness burns and dehydration.
Mere Naivalu was sentenced to 3 years imprisonment, suspended for 5 year, while Viliame Tuivanua was sentenced to 2 years, 9 months imprisonment, suspended for 5 years.
