Wife killer jailed for life in Fiji

Apisai Madigibuli has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the brutal murder of his wife, Kitiana Baravilala, in 2024. Justice Dane Tuiqereqere handed down the sentence, stipulating a minimum term of 20 years, 9 months, and 3 weeks before Madigibuli can be considered for parole.

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Madigibuli continued to deny the charge despite being found guilty following the trial.

The Suva High Court found Madigibuli guilty of murdering his 25-year-old pregnant wife at their Suva apartment. Despite the conviction, Justice Tuiqereqere noted that Madigibuli continued to deny the charge throughout the trial. The judge highlighted that the murder was committed within a domestic violence setting and described Madigibuli's actions as brutal and callous.

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the murder was committed in a domestic violence setting.

Baravilala died from significant blood loss due to multiple stab wounds. The court heard a victim impact statement from Baravilala's sister, detailing the profound pain and emotional trauma the family has endured. Justice Tuiqereqere also factored in the time Madigibuli has already served in remand, which amounts to 2 years, 2 months, and 1 week. Madigibuli, who has a prior conviction for unlawful possession of illicit drugs, has 30 days to appeal his sentence.

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Madigibuli showed no remorse for killing his pregnant wife.