Review of crimes behind revoked sentence commutations

May 27, 2025 | News | 0

This report provides an overview of crimes committed by the 70 inmates whose sentence commutations, granted by President Nikenike Vurobaravu, have now been revoked, as published in the Official Gazette.

Among the revoked cases are convictions for unlawful entry, theft, destruction of property, and offences involving controlled substances. Several inmates committed offences within family settings, including breaches of trust and sexual violence. One individual had previously been granted parole in 2012 but reoffended, while others were found guilty of sexual offences and drug cultivation.

Notable cases include Sandy Mahit, convicted of property damage and domestic intimidation involving his mother. Esau Edward and Roseboyed Mark were convicted of sexual offences against minors, involving threats and manipulation. Wrightly Senembe was found guilty of misconduct involving a 14-year-old, while Morris Siaka Nitain and Iven Patuntun faced convictions for serious sexual crimes and breaches of custody conditions.

In drug-related offences, Alex Batick and Steward Leo were convicted of cultivating large quantities of cannabis on Malekula. Malachi Junior was convicted of involvement in a coordinated break-in at a commercial office, and Jian Wang was found guilty of financial deception involving substantial sums obtained from a business partner under false pretences.

Records for some offenders, including Clement Nalau, Erick Jimmy, and Bill Tapi, remain incomplete due to missing documentation.

In 2022, Gordin Favo was convicted of offences against a 13-year-old family member, involving inappropriate physical conduct across multiple incidents. Similarly, in 2024, Sammy Ismael was convicted of offences against his 12-year-old niece during a family gathering. In 2023, Tom Kleopas was convicted for offences involving a 13-year-old in a rural community, while Roma Malalo faced similar charges involving his 19-year-old niece who became pregnant while under his care.

Other serious cases involved offences within family units. In 2023, Raphael Yoye was convicted of unlawful conduct involving an 8-year-old girl. Erickson Gatewan Clement was found guilty of long-term abuse beginning when the victim was in primary school. In 2021, Francoise Kasso was convicted of sustained abuse and threats against his stepdaughter dating back to 2015.

Repeat offenders also appear in the list. Timothy Kavila was convicted in two separate cases in 2017 and 2018, first involving abuse of a woman and later a 15-year-old girl, both cases involving intimidation and coercion. In 2018, Christian Vahirua was convicted of repeated aggravated offences against his 7-year-old stepdaughter.

Other non-sexual offences include Kere Mata Livo’s 2022 conviction for intentional assault during a family dispute and Joseph Peter’s 2013 assault conviction, for which he completed his sentence in 2015. Daniel Mahit was convicted in 2024 for reckless driving under the influence, which caused a fatal road accident resulting in three deaths and multiple injuries.

In a 2024 case (Public Prosecutor v Thompson [2024] VUSC 290), Saki Thompson was convicted of cultivating 67 cannabis plants on Tongoa Island. The offence came to police attention through a community report and was confirmed by investigation.

In a particularly serious case (Public Prosecutor v Rau [2024] VUSC 710), Kevin Rau was convicted of multiple offences, including distribution of explicit material and prolonged sexual misconduct against a minor who regarded him as a father figure. The offences occurred over four years, starting in 2019.

The 2023 case of Public Prosecutor v Pakoa [2023] VUSC 80 saw Tom Pakoa Noel plead guilty to incest involving his granddaughter, beginning when she was 12. The victim later became pregnant and was unable to continue her education.

In multiple rulings concerning Gino Lawac (Public Prosecutor v Lawac [2025] VUSC 16, 59, and 72), the defendant was convicted of obtaining money by deception, including a VT260,000 lease scam and other fraudulent promises involving building materials and job offers.

Though information is limited, past records show Fati Fanso Jimmy had a history of theft, including an incident in 2023 while on licence from prison.

A 2023 incident in Port Vila involved assault and sexual misconduct following a social gathering (Public Prosecutor v Iamak [2024] VUSC 90). Gibson Iamak and Grem Nanua were convicted after the victim was isolated and harmed. Both men pleaded guilty. Nanua’s conviction was confirmed in the same case file.

Another case of domestic violence and non-consensual conduct involved Fabiano Vinabit (Public Prosecutor v Vinabit [2023] VUSC 55), following an argument that escalated into physical and sexual assault. The victim later sought assistance from authorities.

James Karapia Sam was convicted (Public Prosecutor v Karapia [2024] VUSC 79) of non-consensual conduct against a 17-year-old on New Year’s Eve in Port Vila. The defendant admitted guilt during police questioning.

Some cases, including those involving John Nivatak Kahaup and Fati Fanso Jimmy, remain unverified through PACLII records.

Former Immigration Officer Esrom Namka Loughman was convicted of dishonesty after receiving over VT17 million between 2017 and 2021 for resident visa applications that were never submitted and later found to be forged.

In a 2011 case, Kathy Sam Katena was convicted of sexual offences against a woman recently separated from her husband. Threats delayed reporting, but medical evidence confirmed long-term harm.

Hannington Tensly Aruhile was convicted of offences against his niece between 2020 and 2021, involving repeated misconduct and emotional trauma.

Graesten Manuake was convicted of multiple acts of domestic misconduct against his spouse between 2018 and 2023, including complicity in unlawful acts with others.

Willie Namuli was convicted of a series of non-consensual acts under threats in 2020, supported by medical evidence.

George Tevi was found guilty of incest and inappropriate conduct against his daughter over seven years.

Lelen Leleny Ansen was convicted of offences involving threats and abuse against his daughter and partner.

In June 2024, Johnson Namri was convicted of attempted homicide after severely injuring his partner.

Bill Macdonald Toa was convicted of misconduct involving minors under his care between 2020 and 2021.

David Johnson was convicted in 2025 of indecent acts and digital misconduct involving his daughter.

Bob Robert, while on parole in 2018, committed several offences including causing the death of a child.

Jimmy Sawan Napau was convicted in 2021 of homicide, killing his partner while on bail for earlier domestic violence.

Jacky Shack Saul was convicted in 2008 for a home invasion involving an elderly expatriate, resulting in non-consensual conduct and theft.

Joseph Ernest was convicted in 2021 for a fatal stabbing during a domestic dispute.

These cases demonstrate the commitment of Vanuatu’s law enforcement and judiciary to addressing serious crimes and maintaining justice. They also reveal persistent social challenges involving gender-based violence, exploitation, and breaches of trust across communities.

SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST

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Dr Damutalau said most HPV infections clear naturally, but some remain and can increase the risk of cervical cancer. He said about 90 per cent of cervical cancers are linked to HPV, which is why vaccination and early screening are important. SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST

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Pikinini Playtime founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tony Batten has described Vanuatu’s education situation as a “national disaster”, warning that poor literacy outcomes among children could affect the country’s future development. Speaking during an interview on Kava Mo Kajap, Mr. Batten said reports that around 70 per cent of children are unable to read and write at the expected level should be treated as a serious national concern. “I think it is a national disaster, like a hurricane or an earthquake,” Mr. Batten said. He said Vanuatu’s greatest resource is not its land or natural resources, but its people, and education is the foundation needed to develop that human resource. “Human resources are the number one resource for Vanuatu,” he said. Mr. Batten said countries that have successfully moved from being less developed to more advanced economies have done so by investing heavily in education and building a skilled population. However, he said Vanuatu’s current education results remain a major concern despite the country spending a significant amount of its national budget on education. “Vanuatu gives a lot of money per capita into education, but the results are still among the lowest in the Pacific,” he said. The Pikinini Playtime founder said the challenge is not only about funding but about how the education system delivers results. He questioned why many students continue to leave school without basic reading and writing skills despite years spent in classrooms. Mr. Batten said the impact of poor education outcomes can also be seen in the country’s workforce, where businesses often recruit skilled workers from overseas to fill positions. “We bring people from the Philippines and other countries to do accounting, bookkeeping, management, building and supervisory work, but many ni-Vanuatu are not able to take those opportunities because they do not have the basic education,” he said. He said the literacy issue must be addressed early because children who fail to develop strong reading skills in their early years often struggle throughout their education journey. Mr. Batten also raised concerns about the value placed on education within the system. He said teacher absenteeism, weak accountability and a lack of support for educators contribute to children losing confidence in learning. “When children see that school is not important, they begin to believe they don’t need school,” he said. Mr. Batten acknowledged that many teachers are working under difficult conditions but said the system needs stronger support, training and leadership to improve outcomes. He believes improving education requires everyone involved — government, schools, teachers, principals and parents — to work together. “Children are smart. They have the ability. But they need the right support and the right opportunities,” he said. Mr. Batten said addressing literacy must become a national priority because the future of Vanuatu depends on the quality of education provided to today’s children. SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST

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