A young mother from Lautoka, Makelesi Balekana, tragically lost her life in an incident of alleged domestic violence. The 25-year-old was involved in a heated argument with her husband at their home in Kaleli Settlement, which escalated into violence. Her sister-in-law, Vasiti Waicula, recounted how the morning abruptly transformed from a normal day into a devastating tragedy, stating, “We just heard them arguing. Then it became a fight. Things happened so fast.”
Despite relatives rushing Makelesi to Lautoka Hospital, she was pronounced dead upon arrival. Following the confrontation, her husband fled the scene but later returned and was taken into police custody. A thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death is currently underway.
The couple had been married for five years and had two young children, leaving their family to grapple with not only her death but the ongoing trauma associated with domestic violence. Shashi Kiran, the Minister for Women and Children, emphasized the societal responsibility to combat violence in homes by teaching conflict resolution to children. “This is not just a private matter, it’s a national crisis. We must all take responsibility for changing the culture around violence in our homes,” she stated.
This incident echoes the alarming pattern of domestic violence affecting women in Fiji, a stance reinforced by the numerous reports highlighting similar tragic outcomes. Many in positions of authority, including the Ministry of Women, Children, and Social Protection, are calling for collective action to address this societal crisis.
The loss of Makelesi, a young mother, serves as a haunting reminder that the impacts of domestic violence extend far beyond individual families, affecting entire communities and highlighting the urgent need for preventative measures and support systems. Through increased public dialogue and community involvement, there is hope for a future where such tragedies can be averted, leading to safer environments for all.
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