Three women dead
Weekend of domestic violence exposes brutal cost of silence
Saturday 28 June 2025 | 01:00
Three women are dead, and another is seriously injured after a weekend of brutal domestic violence, exposing once again Fiji’s deep struggle with violence inside the home.
At Suva’s Lagilagi Housing complex, a quiet Sunday morning was torn apart by screams. Resident Lili Duwai said police arrived around 11am after neighbours called for help.
Inside, officers found a couple dead, believed to be a murder-suicide. “It was terrifying,” Ms Duwai said. “We heard children crying and screaming".
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“Then the police brought out her body in a bag. It is something I will never forget.” Police said the couple had been arguing before the tragedy. Investigations are ongoing.
In Nadi, another young life was stolen. Karishma Chaudhry, 28, a mother of four and pregnant with her fifth child, was found stabbed to death inside her home on Kerebula Road. Her partner, a 47-year-old taxi driver, has been arrested. Her grieving mother, Nileshma Singh, stood outside their house, surrounded by mourners. “She was my pillar, my eldest child,” she said through tears. “She was carrying another baby. Now they are both gone.”
Three of Ms Chaudhry’s children were inside the house and are believed to have witnessed the attack.
In another Suva case, police found a woman outside an apartment complex with serious injuries. She was rushed to the Colonial War Memorial Hospital. Police are still searching for the suspect. Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro confirmed that arrests have been made, and investigations are underway.
Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran, called the deaths “tragic and gut wrenching,” saying the country must treat violence as a national emergency.
“Despite laws, funding, and services, these tragedies still happen,” Ms Kiran said. “We must stop violence at the family and community level before it turns deadly.”
The Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre also issued a strong statement, calling for real leadership and urgent action.
Director Shamima Ali said: “These deaths were preventable. We must stop making excuses. Enough is enough.”
Feedback: sosiveta.koroibiau@fijisun.com.fj
