A retired soldier was killed after trying to help his son who was allegedly involved in a fight at a drinking party.

It was around 7pm at the Maravu Settlement in Laucala Beach Estate in Nasinu on Saturday when the alleged incident happened.

Fifty Eight-year-old Tevita Talili had come out from a grog session at a neighbour’s home to see why a group of youth including his son were making a ruckus metres away from his home.

His daughter Selina Talili, 22, recalled the events of the dreadful night. Tears streamed down her face as she spoke.

“These boys were drinking and had an argument. I remember one of the boys and my brother having a scuffle. This ended but the other boy returned with his brother and cousins,” Ms Talili said.

“This is when the bigger fight started. They were beating my brother. My father was drinking grog, he came out to see what was happening.

“He went to help my brother when he was hit and he fell and hit his head on a log. I called my cousin who is a Police Officer. We tried to apply first aid but he was not moving.”

A Police officer stands guard outside the crime scene at Maravu Settlement in Laucala Beach on August 22, 2021. Photo: Leon Lord

Ms Talili added that Police arrived minutes later and took her father to the hospital.

At the hospital, medics tried to revive him but after trying for 15 minutes he was declared dead.

Ms Talili said her father had retired from the Republic of Fiji Military Forces three years ago and stayed home with their mother and five other siblings. Ms Talili said the two elder siblings lived elsewhere.

Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro confirmed that two men were in custody as police investigation continued of the alleged assault.

She said the post mortem examination would most likely take place to confirm the cause of death.

The late Tevita Talili sustained injuries to his head as he fell after being punched in the face at the Maravu Settlement in Laucala Beach Estate in Nasinu on Saturday evening.

Police have arrested two men and both are being questioned. One is in custody at the Nabua Police Station while the other at the Valelevu Police Station.

Edited by Selita Rabuku 

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