Christchurch Shooting: ‘Time Will Come When My Heart Is Ready To Forgive’

A time will come when I’ll get myself ready to forgive as I know forgiveness heals the heart and mind.

These were the words expressed by Saira Bibi Patel, the wife of the late Fijian national, Hafiz Kari Haji Musa Patel who was among the 51 victims who were gunned down during the Christchurch terrorist attack in New Zealand on March 15 last year.

Mr Patel was the priest for almost 30 years at the Lautoka Jame Mosque.

Speaking to the Fiji Sun from her Melbourne home in Australia, Mrs Patel said after hearing about terrorist, Brenton Tarrant receiving a life sentence without parole, she was satisfied that justice was served.

“My children and I are satisfied that justice has been served, we have got closure now,” said Ms Patel.

“My world turned upside down when we first arrived in Christchurch, my husband and I were trying to adjust to this new place. It’s very easy to watch things on the news but being present in that situation is like feeling something beyond your imagination and control,” she said.

“It’s like collecting debris after the passing of a vicious storm.

“I want to move on in life now and enjoy my life again as I used to while I was in Fiji.”

Ms Patel said she continued to receive moral support from close family and friends in New Zealand and Fiji.

She also expressed her gratitude to the Governments of Fiji and New Zealand.

Edited by Karalaini Waqanidrola

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