The Methodist Church of Fiji has found the Dilkusha Home Superintendent Deaconess Salaseini Watisovea Kacivakawalu guilty of abusing the children, who were under her care.

This was confirmed by the Methodist Church of Fiji general secretary Reverend Iliesa Naivalu yesterday.

He said despite their findings the Fiji Police Force would have the last say.

“We have forwarded the report to the Social Welfare Department.

Methodist Church of Fiji and Rotuma general secretary Reverend Iliesa Naivalu.

“We found that the deaconess was guilty of abuse and this is after we interviewed the staff and children at the home.

“We will now wait for the investigation from the Police and this will determine the action we will take.

“For now, she is innocent until proven guilty by the Police.

“For now, we have asked her to step aside, and she is not allowed to be in the compound of the home or talk to the staff and children.

“We have someone there who is the acting superintendent on her behalf.”

Reverend Naivalu said the deaconess was investigated for alleged abuse of the children and misuse of the donations that the shelter received.

“The board has also decided to terminate another staff who was also found to have been abusing the children,” he said.

Deaconess Watisovea opted not to comment on the matter until she was formally informed by the head office.

Police spokesperson Savaira Tabua said the investigation into the alleged abuse was ongoing.

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

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