A man who was accused of killing a 22-year-old outside a nightclub in Suva two years ago walked out of the Suva High Court as a free man today.
Kelevi Tokalau was acquitted of one count of manslaughter by Justice Salesi Temo.
Kelevi Tokalau was all smiles after a not guilty judgment was handed down by Justice Salesi Temo this afternoon.
In a packed court room filled with Tokalau’s family members and friends, there was a heavy sign of relief when the 30 year old was acquitted of the charge.
Tokalau was alleged to have assaulted 22-year-old Saula Sucu in April of 2015 which resulted in Sucu’s death.
In his judgment, Justice Temo said he found that the Prosecution had not been able to prove their case beyond reasonable doubt.
The Judge stated that he also agreed with the unanimous not guilty opinion of the assessors.
Justice Temo also said that two of the prosecution witnesses did not identify Tokalau during a police identification parade and in the court room during the trial.
He said this made their identification evidence worthless and of no effect.
The third prosecution witness had stated in court that he saw Tokalau punch the deceased twice on the mouth.
However the video evidence produced in the courtroom showed exactly the opposite.
Kelevi Tokalau held back his tears as he walked out of the courtroom to meet his family and friends.
With the ordeal behind him, the free man now wants to focus on the future.