The trial in the matter where three Indonesians and two Fijians were allegedly murdered onboard the FV Tiro 2 on May 18, 2021, in Fiji waters started yesterday in the Suva High Court.

The accused, Tevita Kapawale is facing five counts of murder, one count of attempted murder, and one count of criminal intimidation.

Kapawale is charged with the alleged murders of Benjamin Mattaputty, Eme Warma, Alfat Kodri, Samuela Sukera and Qiritavabea Cagilabakomeli, and the attempted murder of Kaminieli Tucama, and the criminal intimidation of Mitieli Cama.

First Prosecution witness, former fisherman and survivor Kaminieli Tucama took the stand to give evidence in the trial against Kapawale.

The trial is before Judge Justice Dane Tuiqereqere.

Tucama described the night the alleged murders took place in court, pointing out the picture of the vessel on a projected screen, where the crew were stationed during the alleged murders.

He adds that what was supposed to be a two-week fishing trip with the Green Tuna company turned fateful that night.

Tucama informed the court that he was afraid of Kapawale and hid from him when he saw him with an axe and other crew members injured and fighting for their lives.

He revealed that during the incident at around midnight, the vessel’s Captain, who is also a victim, was asleep.

He said one of the victims was injured and unconscious after Kapawale struck him with an axe.

Tucama described Kapawale dragging the victim and throwing him into the sea.

Tucama said the next time he saw Kapawale was when he had two 30-centimetre knives with him.

He claimed he was in the room when he saw Kapawale try to enter, saying, “Wait there, I’m coming.”

After pretending to pick something up in the room to fight Kapawale, he saw the accused retreating.

As soon as it was clear, he rushed into the engine room where he locked himself up for almost two days surviving on a bottle of water.

Tucama said he was weak and hungry.

He described using four steel plates in the room for protection to exit.

He said he was relieved when he came to the captain’s room in front of the boat and saw the bosun or the vessel supervisor, Mitieli Cama outside.

The two later scouted the boat and found Kapawale and the life raft missing.

Tucama told the court they heard a satellite phone ringing inside the captain’s room

He said the Managing Director of the Green Tuna Industry Jin Oh had called to ask about the captain’s whereabouts.

He said Jin contacted the Republic of the Fiji Military Naval division for assistance.

Tucama said he used the Radio Telephone or RT in the wheels room to call for help.

A New Zealand helicopter had picked up their call and came to their rescue.

The two survivors later fired three flares after spotting a boat light but were unsuccessful.
He said the vessel was slowly sinking, so they packed life buoys in a cage and sealed it before releasing it into the ocean.

He said this was to help them stay afloat until help arrived.

Tucama said they were rescued by another fishing vessel.

The two were then escorted by the Fiji Navy vessel and questioned by Police.

State lawyer Triveshni Sharma informed the court that two witness in this trial with be joining via zoom from Australia and New Zealand.

She said the State will also be relying on business record to identify the three Indonesians who lost their passports when the fishing vessel sank.

The State is represented by lawyer Triveshni Sharma, with assistance from Deputy Director of Public Prosecution John Rabuku.

Kapawale is represented by legal aid lawyer Tobia Ravuniwa and Etonia Veibataki.