'I Have Forgiven Speight': Akeneta Seavula

The release of2000 coup frontman George Speight and former RFMF Counter Revolutionary Warfare Unit's Shane Stevens from prison has ignited a wave of mixed reactions across Fiji.

One of those directly impacted is Akeneta Naseka Seavula, widow of slain police officer Corporal Filipo Seavula, who was killed by rebels at a Draiba checkpoint during the 2000 unrest.

Despite the tragedy, 24 years later, Ms Seavula and her family have forgiven Speight and the rebels.

"We are all human beings. God Almighty encourages us to forgive those who have done you wrong," she shared from her Nakasi, Nasinu home.

Corporal Seavula was gunned down during a standoff between rebel soldiers and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces alongside Police officers.

He died defending the nation after rebels overthrew the Fiji Labour Party-led government of Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry.

Nation still feels the pain 

Recounting the harrowing events, Ms Seavula shared her painful memories of that day.

“It was a Sunday, and we were living at the Nasese Police Barracks,” she said.

Her husband had just left for duty when gunfire erupted nearby.

“Everyone was told to take cover,” she remembered. Hours later, military trucks and sirens overtook Draiba and Nasese.

“It felt like a scene from a movie,” she recalled.

An hour later, Police officers arrived with the devastating news: Corporal Seavula was dead.

“I was in shock. I didn’t cry until I saw my son Viliame coming down the stairs. That’s when it hit me, and I broke down,” she said.

With three young children to care for, Ms Seavula was left shattered.

“It was painful, but I’ll always be grateful for the support I had during that time,” she said.

Faith guides forgiveness 

A staunch Catholic, Ms Seavula said her faith carried her through, with the Holy Rosary as her constant companion since 2000.

She credits prayer with giving her the strength to raise her children alone.

“Even though what Mr Speight did was wrong, God teaches us to forgive. And I forgive Mr Speight, my family does too,” she said.

“Holding onto resentment stops you from moving forward. After losing Filipo, I learned to trust in God’s plan.”

Now a grandmother of six, Ms Seavula acknowledges the lasting impact of the 2000 coup on many, but urges forgiveness as the path to healing and rebuilding the nation.

Day of national turmoil 

Corporal Seavula’s death on May 28, 2000, marked one of the darkest days in Fiji’s history.

That same day, rebels ransacked Fiji Television Limited, while Prime Minister Chaudhry and members of the Labour government were held hostage at the Parliament complex for 56 days.

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