Pacific Harbour murder victim Mere Ailevu’s family has welcomed the progress of investigations into the death of their eldest daughter.

14-year-old Mere a Year seven student at Lomary Primary School was reported missing from home on the night of March 13.

After 17 days of investigation, Police yesterday laid charges against 39-year-old Josua Colanaudolu for the alleged rape and murder of Mere.

Her mother, Sili Keni, said:  “We’re glad someone has been charged.”

She acknowledged everyone especially the Police for working tirelessly around the clock.

“I want to thank every Fijian and everyone worldwide who have been praying for our family during this difficult time and the villagers around here who have assisted Police in giving information,” she said.

“My heartfelt thanks go out to the police officers for sacrificing a lot of their time in their bid to arrest the person who has done this.

“I also want to thank the Fiji Sun for publishing stories about our daughter everyday pushing for quicker results into investigations for the death of our beloved daughter and also for visiting us.”

Let the law take its course

Meanwhile, Mrs Keni cautioned the public to allow the law to run its course and not allow emotions to run wild and for people not to take the law into their own hands.

Edited by Rusiate Mataika

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