Family members of a 23-year-old pregnant woman who lost her life after being allegedly assaulted say they forgive the man they believe responsible for her death.

Seremaia Valevatu, uncle of Seini Boletawa, said holding grudges and being angry about the incident would not bring back their loved one.

This is after condolence messages as well as threats started pouring into Ms Boletawa’s social media account.

“We had a family meeting. There was a lot of anger among family members. But we have agreed to forgive the man who is responsible for taking the life of our Seini,” Mr Valevatu said.

Ms Boletawa hailed from Levukaidaku in Matuku, Lau.

She was three months pregnant when she died after the alleged assault at the hands of a man.

Her parents, who are on Matuku Island, will not be able to make it to the funeral because there are no ships from there this week.

Seremaia Valevatu, uncle of Seini Boletawa, at their home on June 11, 2019.

According to Police, the alleged incident happened last Friday, but Ms Boletawa was taken to hospital on Sunday morning and reportedly pronounced dead on arrival.

“Her funeral will be held on Thursday (tomorrow). The boy’s family will come tomorrow (tonight) for the reguregu. (traditional condolence gathering) and we have invited them to be part of the funeral,” Mr Valevatu said.

“We had no idea that she was pregnant. She had not told any of us. I was called by the Police on Sunday to identify her. At Totogo Police Station, I was shown her photograph.

“She was young and had her life before her. But we cannot turn back the hands of time. All we can do is pray and ask our family members to leave it in God’s hands.”

Ms Boletawa came from Matuku to complete her secondary school studies in Suva.

Mr Valevatu said she then moved to Cunningham when her mother arrived some three years ago. She was described by family members as someone who loved life.

“She was always smiling. We don’t even know where she met the boy.

“We were happy for her, but did not know that she was pregnant.”

Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro said last night that a man remained in custody.

Edited by Epineri Vula

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