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 is believed to have been residing in a rented home on the upscale Albert Lee Place, located off Nailuva Road in Suva. The incident came to light when another household member alerted her partner, leading to the police being notified.
Authorities are currently investigating the matter, and a post-mortem will determine the official cause of death.
In response to the tragic incident, the Ministry of Women, Children, and Social Protection released a statement expressing its sorrow and outrage. It called for prompt justice for the victim and urged all sectors of society to take decisive action to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
The ministry expressed solidarity with the victim’s family and those impacted by this act of violence. They noted this incident occurs just five months after a similar case where a woman lost her life in April.
The ministry highlighted the ongoing problem of violence against women and girls in Fiji, citing statistics that indicate nearly two out of three women in the country face physical or sexual violence at some point in their lives.
They emphasized the need for action, stating, “This must end,” and called upon every individual, family, and community to unite in preventing violence against women and girls. They stressed the importance of making homes and communities safe spaces for all women and girls.
Minister Lynda Tabuya commented, “This loss is unacceptable and heartbreaking. To all women and girls, you are not alone.” She also encouraged those in need of support to reach out to services like the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre, the National Domestic Violence Helpline, and the Child Helpline, reinforcing the message that no woman should live in fear.
The Fiji National Action Plan to Prevent Violence Against All Women and Girls, launched in June 2023, represents a key part of Fiji’s strategy to tackle this crisis.