Police are searching for a man suspected of causing the death of his partner yesterday. The woman succumbed to injuries inflicted by the suspect, who remained at large as of last night. The couple reportedly resided at a rented property on Albert Lee Place, located off Nailuva Road in Suva.
The incident was brought to light by another family member, who alerted her partner, leading to the police report. Authorities are currently investigating, and a post-mortem examination will be conducted to ascertain the cause of death.
In response to the tragedy, the Ministry of Women, Children, and Social Protection expressed deep sadness and outrage in a statement. The ministry called for swift justice for the victim and emphasized the need for immediate societal action to prevent further incidents.
The statement highlighted that this incident occurred just five months after another woman lost her life under similar circumstances in April. It pointed out the alarming statistics of violence against women and girls in Fiji, with nearly two out of three experiencing physical or sexual violence in their lifetime.
The ministry urged communities and individuals to take a stand against violence and work collectively to ensure safe environments for all women and girls. Line minister Lynda Tabuya described the loss as unacceptable and heartbreaking, offering support to those affected and assuring that help is available through various organizations, including the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre.
The Fiji National Action Plan to Prevent Violence Against All Women and Girls, launched in June 2023, serves as a crucial framework in addressing this ongoing crisis.