Families, friends reel from loss, one-year-old child without a mother
Ana Rokomuri, Miriama's closest friend, spoke with a heavy heart, her voice trembling with emotion as she recalled the last time, she saw her best mate alive.
Tuesday 18 March 2025 | 09:27
Ana Rokomuri, still mourns the loss of a dear friend Miriama Radinikuva (INSET). Meanwhile, police are waiting for a report from the National Fire Authority to determine the cause of the blaze on Sunday at Veiquwawa, Raiwaqa. Photos: Sosiveta Korobiau / Leon Lord
The quiet community of Veiquwawa Settlement in Raiwaqa is in a deep and unrelenting grief after the sudden and tragic death of one of their own, Miriama Radinikuva.
The devastating event, which occurred on Sunday afternoon, has left family, friends, and neighbours reeling from the shock, struggling to comprehend the horrific circumstances s u r rounding her death.
The aftermath has left Miriama's five children-aged between one and 13-without a mother, as family members must now help shoulder the responsibility.
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Around 2pm, the community witnessed an unimaginable scene, one that continues to haunt the hearts of those who were there.
Ana Rokomuri, Miriama's closest friend, spoke with a heavy heart, her voice trembling with emotion as she recalled the last time, she saw her best mate alive.
In an interview with this masthead, Ana sat quietly at her home in Jittu, wiping tears as she described Miriama a woman who, in Ana's words, was "like no other".
With wisdom beyond her years and a heart full of kindness, Miriama was known for her warmth and hospitality, often opening her home to friends and neighbours, always ready to entertain and make others feel welcome.
“When the fire broke out, I was in complete shock,” Ms Rokomuri recalled her voice cracking.
“I kept asking around for her, but one of her cousin rushed into the house to carry out her children safely.”
Her eyes welled up as she continued: “All I can remember is hearing the children crying desperately for help, and Miriama’s husband, badly burned from the flames, trying to do whatever he could.”
Ms Rokomuri, who had known Miriama since childhood, shared vivid memories of her friend’s unwavering love and care.
“She was different,” Ms Rokomuri said softly.
“The way she dressed, the way she took care of her children—it was all from a place of love. She was a devoted mother, and she’ll be deeply missed by all of us.”
As the community grapples with the loss, Ms Rokomuri’s pain is shared by many.
The questions still linger in the air: What really happened? How could such a tragedy unfold in a place so full of life?
“We are all just waiting for answers,” Ana said, her voice filled with a mixture of sorrow and confusion. “We miss her, and we just don’t understand.”
Ms Rokomuri’s voice faltered as she spoke of their future, now marked by an indescribable void.
“Her children are now living with their grandparents,” Ms Rokomuri said.
“We feel so sorry for them, having to grow up now without their mother.”
Meanwhile, Miriama’s husband, who suffered severe burns while trying to save their children, remains hospitalised, still fighting for recovery.
“He did everything he could to protect his family,” Ms Rokomuri said, her eyes filled with sorrow.
In the spirit of humanity, the Raiwaqa community, on the same night of the tragic incident, rallied a drive to gather clothes for surviving family members.
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