Families remember Sydney murder victims as 'caring and loving'

“My year without mum will start soon,” said 17-year-old Joshua Waqavuki as he struggled to come to terms with the loss of his mother, Anaseini Waqavuki.

Ms Waqavuki, 38, was brutally stabbed to death at her home in Western Sydney, Australia, on Sunday.

As the New Year approaches, Joshua says the reality of life without his mother impacts his future as he waits for his Fiji Year 12 Certificate examination result.

“She has been our support system, providing for everything we need. Now that she is gone our future is bleak,” Joshua said.

The second victim, Epi Naitini, 30, later died in hospital from stab wounds to his hands and stomach.

According to Australian media reports, Mr Naitini was found on a footpath outside the flat with apparent stab wounds, while Ms Waqavuki was found dead on her kitchen floor.

Families and friends of both victims remain in shock and disbelief following the tragic incident, which has turned what should have been a time of celebration into a period of mourning.

Originally from Nakini in Naitasiri, Ms Waqavuki is survived by her three children (ages 17, 14 and 12).

She was the sole breadwinner, supporting not only her children but also family members back home in Fiji and had moved to Australia eight years ago.

While she had not returned since, she remained closely connected with her children through regular video calls and messaging.

Grieving mother, Saini Waqavuki, said she last visited her daughter in September and described her as the backbone of the family.

“She provided for her family every day,” she said.

“She supported not only her children, but the entire household.”

Deceased....Epi Naitini.

Father shares memories

Mr Naitini was originally from Nabudrau, Noco, in Rewa.

His father, Inoke Naitini, said the family learned of his son’s death through his daughter, who lives overseas.

“By the time she called, she was crying uncontrollably,” he said. “That’s when she told us Epi had been murdered.”

Mr Naitini described his son as a caring and responsible family man, adding that the last contact they had was just days before Christmas.

“The last time we heard from Epi was last Wednesday when he called to say our Christmas money was on the way,” he said.

“He sent $250 for our Christmas.”

The families are also coming to terms with learning that the victims were in a relationship, something previously unknown to Mr Naitini.

Ms Waqavuki had reportedly separated from a former partner, the alleged killer, and began a relationship with Mr Naitini about two years ago.

Accused charged

Accused Anare Vunitabua, 47, charged with two counts of murder appeared in the NSW Bail Court yesterday.

He handed himself in to police shortly after the alleged killings, according to police reports.

The case will return to Downing Centre Court on February 26.

Addressing media on Sunday, NSW Police Superintendent Jason Joyce said the incident appeared to be domestic violence-related, but police were not sure of the relationships between the victims and their accused killer.

Appeal

Meanwhile, Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations Agni Deo Singh has appealed to Fijians living overseas to remain calm and lawful.

“I strongly urge all Fijians living and working abroad to refrain from taking the law into their own hands,” Mr Singh said.

“Violence only leads to irreversible loss and deep pain for families left behind.”