Police are searching for a man who is accused of causing his partner’s death yesterday. The woman suffered fatal injuries inflicted by the suspect, who remained at large last night when this report was filed.
The couple is thought to have been living in a rented house located in the affluent area of Albert Lee Place, off Nailuva Road in Suva. The incident was reported by another household member, leading to a police response.
Authorities are conducting an investigation, with a post-mortem examination set to determine the cause of death.
In a statement released last night, the Ministry of Women, Children, and Social Protection expressed its sorrow and anger regarding the incident. The ministry called for justice for the victim and urged society as a whole to take action to prevent such tragedies from recurring.
The statement emphasized solidarity with the victim’s family and all those impacted by this act of violence. The ministry highlighted that this incident occurred just five months after a similar case in April, emphasizing the ongoing issue of violence against women and girls in Fiji. Nearly two-thirds of women in the country are reported to experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime.
“We must put an end to this,” the ministry stated. It urged every individual, family, and community to unite in efforts to eliminate violence against women and girls, stressing the need for safe and respectful environments.
Minister Lynda Tabuya described the situation as “unacceptable and heartbreaking,” assuring women and girls that they are not alone. She highlighted available resources such as the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre, the National Domestic Violence Helpline (1560), and the Child Helpline (1325), promising to advocate for justice for the victim.
The recently launched Fiji National Action Plan to Prevent Violence Against All Women and Girls, established in June 2023, serves as a significant part of Fiji’s strategy to address this crisis.