Man who acted in self-defence acquitted of manslaughter

Sio Vaka (20) was acquitted of manslaughter in relation to the stabbing death of Lipine Fakatene (33) in January last year, after a Supreme Court judge ruled this was self-defence during a tragic altercation at Fua'amotu. “Knives and other weapons should not be carried by young men for the purpose of fighting and this case is a demonstration of the very tragic consequences that can occur when they are,” said the Judge.