From Viral Video to Global Kindness

Iliesa Toga, a retired soldier and security guard, is extending deep gratitude after a wave of support came from Fijians world­wide, following his involvement in a car accident that went viral.

The video of Mr Toga's humble response struck a chord across the globe.

On October 18, around 7:55pm, Mr Toga, of Barotu, Saivou, Ra, alleg­edly bumped into Bhavik Verma's car at Narere, Nasinu.

Mr Verma, who is in his early 20s, filmed Mr Toga apologising for the incident and offering to pay for damages.

In the footage, Mr Toga, unaware he was being recorded, is seen apol­ogetically with his hands clasped, pledging to settle the matter.

Mr Toga later explained that dur­ing their discussion, Mr Verma requested a $500 payment, but Mr Toga had proposed $200, assessing the damage as minor.

"I didn't know he was recording me. I told him I would pay $100 first, which I did, and planned to pay the other $100 the next day," he said.

The video, however, sparked wide­spread empathy.

As of 7.28pm last night (November 12), Mr Toga had accumulated $3,347.38 total M-Paisa transfers (and growing) from Fijians around the world, a testament to the goodwill of his fellow countrymen.

“Au vakavinavinaka saka,” said Mr. Toga in vernacular, thanking supporters from the UK, US, New Zealand, Australia, and Europe for their compassion. Your support proves that love conquers all obstacles.”

Despite the generosity, Mr. Toga has faced challenges. Reports emerged of alleged threats against Mr. Verma’s family on social media following the video’s spread.

“I urge everyone to forgive them—violence solves nothing,” Mr. Toga appealed. He has since filed a police report at the Samabula Police Station, though no official response has been provided. Questions directed at police remain unanswered.

Mr. Verma, who shared the video on Fijian Memes Hub, explained: “My intent was only to identify him. Things got out of hand.” Despite attempts to contact Mr. Toga, Verma claims his calls were unanswered.

Meanwhile, Sanjay, Mr. Verma’s father, voiced concern: “We’ve requested an additional police patrols around our home after receiving threats.”

Support for Mr. Toga, of Qaraniqio Rd, Tovata, has been both financial and moral. Dinesh Lal, who sent him $202, commented: “Seeing the video broke my heart. No one should be humiliated like that.”

In Suva, mechanic Deo Kumar also reached out, offering free garage services. “No one deserves that kind of treatment,” Kumar said.

Now considering legal action against Mr. Verma for defamation, Mr. Toga has paused plans to pay the final $100 until matters are resolved.

Despite the ordeal, Mr. Toga remains deeply moved by the kindness shown by fellow Fijians. The Land Transport Authority’s media liaison, Geraldine Panapasa, emphasized the importance of the “Drive Safe, Celebrate Responsibly” campaign, which aims to promote responsible road use during the festive season.

Feedback: jone.salusalu@fijisun.com.fj