Fears Of Serial Arsonist Have Lajonia HART Residents Terrified
According to the Marama ni koro (headwoman) Sofia Bi, the fires were set on a daily basis and happened during curfew hours.
Monday 15 March 2021 | 11:00
Sinu Heritage in disbelief looks at the flat she once lived in at the Rara HART in Lajonia, Labasa on March 11,2021. Photo: Laisa Lui
Families at the Rara Housing Assistance Relief Trust (HART) in Lajonia, Labasa, fear that a serial arsonist is targeting them after more than 10 fire incidents in two months.
Police confirmed that 10 reports have been received so far.
Kitchen curtains, bathrooms, clothes in the wardrobe, laundry basket and even beds have been allegedly set alight.
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According to the Marama ni koro (headwoman) Sofia Bi, the fires were set on a daily basis and happened during curfew hours.
“Someone knocks on the door and runs away, then there are fires during the day and at night,” Ms Bi said.
Marama ni Koro of Rara HART, Sofia Bi. Photo: Laisa Lui
“With the series of fire happening, we have started our prayer group for divine intervention,” Ms Heritage said.
“We have been attacked six times; it is just too much for us to handle anymore,” she said.
Another resident, Alisi Caba, has been a resident of the HART Home for eight years. She took the Heritage family to shelter at her home since they were looking for a new place.
“We have become suspicious that it is someone within this community,” she said.
Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro said investigations were underway.
Edited by Jonathan Bryce
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