Hero Headman Dies While Stopping An Alleged Gathering During Curfew Hours
The father of six has been the headman of Baleyaganiga Village in Vaturova, Cakaudrove for four years.
Saturday 18 April 2020 | 10:02
Jekope Matanamatua (lower right) cousin of the deceased with the family members showing photos of the late Baleyaganiga Village headman Amoritikei Mainalulu (inset) at Vunivau in Labasa on April 17, 2020. Photo: Shratika Naidu
Amoritikei Mainalulu, 52, is the first village headman in Fiji to have lost his life while trying to stop an alleged gathering from drinking home brew during curfew hours on Thursday night.
The father of six has been the headman of Baleyaganiga Village in Vaturova, Cakaudrove for four years.
His cousin Jekope Matanamatua, the former village headman, said it was around 8:30pm when Mr Mainalulu heard a group of four men making noise, shouting, punching the roofing iron of a shed and swearing.
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“He went to check the group and told them to stop making noise and disperse since it was during curfew hours,” Mr Matanamatua said.
“They didn’t listen.”
Mr Matanamatua alleged that a brawl broke out when a villager tried to pick a fight with the village headman.
He said many of the other villagers were alerted by the noise.
“My brother, Maikeli Kauwale took him away from the group because he was physically assaulted,” he said.
“The accused yelled out threatening to cut his head off with a cane knife.”
“Mainalulu tried to walk back to the accused to clarify that it was illegal to gather and drink home brew. While walking back he collapsed and died on the spot.”
Mr Mainalulu’s wife, Senimili Seniuci was too emotional to talk about her loss.
Mr Matanamatua said that everyone was in shock because it happened so fast and among family members.
Now they are preparing for the funeral.
A date will decided after a post mortem is completed this weekend.
Commissioner of Police Brigadier-General Sitiveni Qiliho said it was a tragic turn of events that could have been avoided if villagers had listened to the advisories and refrain from gathering as advised by authorities.
“While the circumstances surrounding the victim’s death is still under investigation, the fact that the victim had allegedly lost his life while trying to do what was right for the people he was bound to protect is a heroic act,” he said.
“At a time when we are calling on all Fijians to play their part in containing COVID-19; he played his part dutifully and we salute him for his efforts.
“Four people, including the accused who is a farmer, were taken into custody.”
Edited by Jonathan Bryce
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