Police have arrested a man who was allegedly involved in a hit-and-run accident in Labasa yesterday morning.

Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro confirmed: “A 35-year-old taxi driver is in custody for his alleged involvement in the hit-and-run case.

“Immediately following the incident, a team was set up and they managed to track the suspect. Initial tests conducted on his vehicle have established links to the accident.

“We have some information about the identity of the deceased which we are working towards confirming as investigations continue.”

According to a friend, Aisake Parr, the victim’s name is Wilson Qumi, popularly known as ‘Black Ju’. He was found dead on the middle of the road at around 2am near the Fiji Sugar Corporation mill in Labasa.

Mr Parr was shocked to learn of the tragic news.

“I have known him for about five years,” he said.

“He was living with me at Lekutulevu outside Labasa Town planting yaqona. He must be around early 30s.

“His mother is from Rewa and father from Lau.

“I don’t know much about his family because he often didn’t feel like talking about them.”

He said he last saw Mr Qumi last week on Thursday before heading to work up in the mountains.

“I was informed that he was at Bulileka Village during the weekend. He was a very friendly person and had many friends,” he said.

After seeing the photographs of the accident scene, Mr Parr claims someone must have thrown him out of a moving vehicle.

“It is much more than a hit-and-run case,” he said.

Meanwhile, Northern Divisional Police Commander (DPC) Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Shiri Bhawan Singh said: “We can’t determine now the cause of death or how the accident happened.

“We hope the public can come forward with information related to this accident or call Crime Stoppers on 919 or 9905600.”

A post mortem examination will be conducted soon.

Edited by Naisa Koroi

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