The wife of a bus driver who was brutally attacked by three men at the Nausori Bus Stand four years ago has spoken out about the profound impact of this tragedy on her family. Roshni Lata, aged 53, emotionally recounted the day her husband, Subhas Chand, was lost to violence on October 3, 2020.
Recently, the perpetrators—Mikaele Vuiwayavi, Josetaki Rabuku, and Isireli Tawake—were convicted of manslaughter. They appeared before Justice Daniel Goundar at the High Court in Suva for a sentencing and mitigation hearing, with their sentencing expected to occur shortly.
Ms. Lata shared the devastating effects the incident has had on her family. She has taken on the responsibility of financially supporting her household since the tragedy and disclosed that her youngest daughter has left Fiji for Australia in an effort to escape the painful memories connected with the Nausori Bus Stand.
During her testimony, she expressed, “They (the accused) have destroyed our house. I don’t like staying home alone. My life has been destroyed.” The court heard details of the incident where Tawake claimed he was struck by Chand’s bus, prompting him and Rabuku to confront Chand, resulting in a violent altercation. Vuiwayavi then further escalated the situation by fatally stabbing Chand.
Chand ultimately succumbed to his injuries on October 9 of that year. The three attackers, aged 24, 25, and 48, have no prior criminal records. During the proceedings, Vuiwayavi expressed remorse, stating it was never his intention to kill Chand.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the impact of violence on families and communities, highlighting the need for collective efforts to foster a safer environment for all individuals. It is a hopeful moment that, as the community reflects on this tragedy, there may emerge a stronger commitment to preventing such violence in the future, ensuring that the memories of those lost become a catalyst for positive change.
Summary: Roshni Lata highlights the devastating impact of her husband Subhas Chand’s murder by three men at the Nausori Bus Stand, as the perpetrators await sentencing after being convicted of manslaughter. The incident has left Lata and her family heartbroken, underscoring the broader societal issue of violence and emphasizing the need for community healing and safety.
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