Marist Primary Tragedy: Fiji Police Constable Tells of Pain

The Police officer who helped rush to hospital a young boy after a fatal accident on Monday says the experience will be hard to forget.

Police Constable Akuila Dulukorewa Mataku was on patrol along Suva Street that morning when he saw a bus stop suddenly and then heard people shouting.

Year 1 student Malcolm Makasiale, of Marist Brothers Primary School, was allegedly hit by the bus while trying to cross the road.

“I parked my motorbike and rushed over to the scene and everything that happened and what I saw from that moment is still in my mind,” Constable Mataku said.

“I had him on my lap and I felt the warm breath from his mouth. I tried my best to overcome the initial shock and everything that was going on in my mind at that point. My only motive was to get him to the hospital and I had faith that he would make it.”

The father of a three-year-old  daughter could barely hold back his tears as he recalled the tragic experience.

Malcolm died from his injuries.

In his three years with the Fiji Police Force, Constable Mataku said he had never encountered a more painful event.

There was a Corrections officer who offered to transport young Malcolm to the hospital and Mr Mataku escorted the vehicle on his Police motorbike.

“When I held him in my arms, I had tears. I did not care about the people looking at me,” the 25-year-old officer said.

“There was blood all over my uniform and as a father that was a really painful experience to go through.

“I did everything that I would have done for my own daughter.”

Overwhelmed by everything, Constable Mataku said he still struggled to overcome the experience and might never, in truth, come to terms with the tragic event.

“Even yesterday, I was in my normal routine, and I just stopped and stood under a tree for over an hour because I could not hold back my tears,” the officer from Nakusa, Udu Point in Macuata said.

The officer also shared how he had a similar experience in the past.

According to Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro, the bus driver has been charged with one count of dangerous driving occasioning death.

He will be presented in the Suva Magistrates Court today.

The current road death toll stands at six.

Watch this space for more updates.

Edited by Naisa Koroi

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