Acquitted Nightclub Bouncer Talks of Studies, Marriage
Father set free after Justice Temo finds him not guilty of manslaughter
Aman who was acquitted yesterday of manslaughter charges says he now has the chance to complete his Bachelor of Commerce studies and get married.
Kelevi Tokalau, 32, of Kadavu was acquitted when High Court judge in Suva, Justice Salesi Temo, found him not guilty. An emotional Mr Tokalau told Fiji Sun yesterday: “I am a free man without any more burdens on my shoulder.
“All I have to do now is complete my Bachelor’s degree and soon get married as well.
“I feel so proud of myself that I am a free man today without having to worry about who will look after my son if something happens to me.”
It was alleged that Tokalau had punched Saula Sucu, 22, at the O’Reilly’s nightclub in Suva on April 26, 2015 causing his death while Sucu attempted to enter the nightclub through a window in a separate smoking room. Tokalau was an O’Reilly’s bouncer.
“Today I do not have anything to worry about and now I can get myself sorted out,” Tokalau said.
“My family has been a big help for me as they have been very supportive not only to me, but also my son.
“I just can’t say anymore. Thank you to God and my family for the help and support they have given me throughout the case.” Two weeks ago, two of the three assessors had found Tokalau not guilty as charged.
Justice Temo had agreed with the assessors’ opinion saying the prosecution had failed to prove its case.
He said in his judgement that the prosecution witness stated during the trial that they saw a bouncer punching Sucu; however both witnesses never identified the accused in a properly held police identification parade nor in the courtroom during the trial.
Justice Temo also said that the video footage which was produced as evidence in court did not show Mr Tokalau punching Sucu.
All I have to do now is complete my Bachelor’s degree and soon get married as well. Kelevi Tokalau