The mother of the four-month-old child who died amid a domestic dispute says she has forgiven her husband.

Still distraught by the incident on Sunday, Mereseini Rauluni said: “I have forgiven him, but it won’t bring back our daughter’s life. I have forgiven him for what he has done, but it does not change anything.”

The 25-year-old mother who stays home to look after the children said she forgave her husband and was now trying to be a pillar of hope for her other two daughters Innimua Rauluni, 1 year six months, and Hadassah Rauluni, 6, who need a father-figure in their lives.

Ms Rauluni who is from Qarani, Gau, said her husband, Tevita Kunawave, 26, was drinking with a friend on the porch outside their house in Sukanivalu Road, Nabua, at the time of the alleged incident.

Recalling the moment

While trying her best to hold back tears, Ms Raulini said the baby’s head was swollen when she picked her up.

“And the nose had a frothy nasal discharge. The pupil in her left eye rolled up, while her right eye stared right at me. She was still looking at me, smiling and closed her eyes.

“Her lips turned grey, and by the time we reached the hospital, we had no chance of reviving her.”

At the Colonial War Memorial Hospital baby Suliana Taleimaitoga was pronounced dead at four-months-old.

Late Suliana Talemaitoga with her sister, Innimua Rauluni.

Minister Vuniwaqa

Minister for Women Mereseini Vuniwaqa was saddened by the alleged incident.

“When we talk about domestic violence, we often forget about the impact on children. Often it’s emotional trauma caused to them when they witness violence within their homes between people that they love,” she said.

“In this instance that impact is at its most extreme – the life of a child has been lost. That baby had rights of her own that were independent of her parents’ rights! This is something that we often tend to forget as parents. Her right to life has been taken away and that is something that no parent in their right mind can ever live with,” Minister Vuniwaqa said.

Police report

The 26-year old suspect is still in custody at the Nabua Police Station and is expected to appear in court this week. Police are still investigating.

Post mortem examination

The report showed that the four-month-old baby girl died of:

• Multiple fractures,
• Severe brain injury, and
• Brain swelling caused by a blow to her skull.

Funeral arrangements

The burial of baby Suliana Talemaitoga is expected to take place on Friday at the Lovanilase Cemetery in Lami.

Edited by Naisa Koroi

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