‘A joyful and selfless couple’ — Tavua crash victims remembered

'They were spiritual parents, nurturing young people with love and guidance.'

That is how the late Reverend Mosese Qica Seruiratu, 51, and his wife, Karalaini Toga Seruiratu, 50, are being remembered after their sudden passing in a road accident in Tavua on Friday morning.

The Saru Methodist Circuit pastor and Jasper Williams High School vice-principal were described as a joyful and selfless couple whose kindness transcended denominations and faiths.

Saru Methodist Circuit deacon Aseri Loganimoce said the couple had been travelling to Verata for a family function when tragedy struck at Nadolodolo, Tavua, around 7.15am. Police confirmed their vehicle collided with a truck loaded with sugarcane.

Their bodies were taken to the Lautoka morgue for a post-mortem.

“They had no children of their own, but their home was always open to students from rural areas who came to study in Lautoka,” Mr Loganimoce said, his voice breaking.
“Pastor Seruiratu visited every family in the village, not just Methodists, but Catholics, Pentecostals, and even those of other faiths. His motto was always: ‘Saru will be saved for Christ.’ Their passing leaves a great void in the church, their vanua, and the communities they so faithfully served.”

Rev Seruiratu, of Kumi, Verata in Tailevu, was in his fourth year leading the Saru Methodist Circuit. Mrs Seruiratu, originally from Saunaka, Nadi, was a respected teacher and vice-principal at Jasper Williams High School. Together, they lived in Tavakubu Village, Lautoka, where they became a source of strength and inspiration for many.

Police spokesperson Corporal Wame Bautolu confirmed investigations into the accident are continuing, while their deaths have not yet been officially added to the national road toll pending post-mortem results.

As of September 9, Fiji’s road death toll stood at 46, compared with 40 for the same period last year. The Land Transport Authority confirmed the Seruiratus were among three lives lost in two separate accidents this week.

LTA chief executive officer Irimaia Rokosawa said the latest tragedies underscore the urgent need for road users to take responsibility.
“Speeding, reckless overtaking, fatigue, and careless pedestrian crossings remain the leading causes of fatalities,” he said.
“Three lives have been lost this week alone. This cannot be the price we continue to pay for carelessness.”