Iliesa Toga, a retired soldier and security guard, has expressed immense gratitude for the overwhelming support he has received from Fijians worldwide following a viral car accident incident. The video capturing his sincere apology to the other driver, Bhavik Verma, resonated with many viewers around the globe.
On the evening of October 18, Mr. Toga allegedly collided with Mr. Verma’s car in Narere, Nasinu. Unbeknownst to Mr. Toga, Mr. Verma, in his early 20s, recorded the interaction where Mr. Toga, with hands clasped, earnestly sought to resolve the situation by offering to cover the damages. Despite assessing the damages as minor and proposing a payment of $200, Mr. Toga initially provided $100 and promised to pay the remaining amount the following day.
The emotional response in the video sparked significant empathy, prompting donations worldwide. As reported on November 12, Mr. Toga had received $3,347.38 via M-Paisa transfers, a powerful testament to the goodwill of his fellow citizens. Mr. Toga expressed heartfelt thanks to his supporters in the UK, US, New Zealand, Australia, and Europe, noting that their kindness signifies that love can overcome challenges.
However, the situation took a troubling turn when alleged threats against Mr. Verma’s family surfaced on social media following the video’s release. Mr. Toga urged forgiveness, stating that violence is not a solution, and he has filed a police report, although the authorities have yet to respond.
While Mr. Verma initially shared the video merely to identify Mr. Toga, he noted that the situation escalated unexpectedly. His father, Sanjay, voiced concerns for their safety, requesting increased police presence in their area.
In addition to financial support, Mr. Toga has received moral backing from community members, including Dinesh Lal, who was moved to send him $202, and mechanic Deo Kumar, who offered free garage services. Mr. Toga is currently contemplating legal action against Mr. Verma for defamation and has paused his remaining payment until the matter is resolved.
Despite the challenges, Mr. Toga remains touched by the kindness of Fijians. In light of the incident, the Land Transport Authority’s media liaison, Geraldine Panapasa, highlighted the significance of the “Drive Safe, Celebrate Responsibly” campaign, which encourages responsible road use as the festive season approaches.
This story showcases the resilience and compassion of the Fijian community, illustrating how an unfortunate incident can lead to a wave of kindness and solidarity. As Mr. Toga navigates his challenges, he embodies the spirit of forgiveness and gratitude that is essential in overcoming life’s hurdles.
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