A father is still trying to come to terms with the loss of his eldest son, 27-year-old Sela Degei, in an alleged stabbing incident yesterday at Sovi Bay, Nadroga.

“I went to the morgue; I saw him but cannot believe him lying there motionless,” said Basilio Livono, 50, of Bemana.

“That’s too early for my eldest child.”

It is alleged that Mr Degei and the suspect were having disputes at work.

Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro said the eldest of 10 siblings Mr Degei was allegedly stabbed by a 22-year-old digger operator after an argument broke out between the two.

The alleged incident took place at the Khan Brothers Bulldozing Works Limited garage in Sovi Bay where the two were work mates.

Mr Livono vividly remembers their last encounter two weeks ago at Sovi Bay when he went to visit.

“I did pay him a visit and he handed me his mobile phone where he told me to keep it and to take a lot of pictures back in the village which made me happy,” Mr Livono said.

“That day he even mentioned to me that he has found a girlfriend and with the prospect to start his own family.

“Now those dreams have been shattered.”

The late Mr Delai has been working at KBBWL since 2005 and has returned to his village of Bemana on many occasions.

“He was a hard worker he would come to the village and wish not to return but his boss would come looking for him,” Mr Livono said.

“He was a hard worker and it’s a pity to lose him.”

Ms Naisoro said Mr Degei’s body was taken to the Sigatoka Hospital.

“The victim was conveyed to the Sigatoka Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival,” she said.

“The suspect is currently admitted at the Lautoka Hospital as he sustained injuries during the alleged incident and investigations continue.”

Edited by Rusiate Mataika

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