Labasa businessman dies after alleged knife attack

A businessman in Labasa who was allegedly stabbed multiple times over the weekend has died at the Labasa Divisional Hospital.

He was admitted in critical condition after police allegedly found him lying in a pool of blood on Rara Avenue in Labasa Town around 2.30am last Sunday.

Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro confirmed the victim died yesterday from serious stab wounds.

Ms Naisoro said a suspect arrested last Sunday remains in custody at the Labasa Police Station and is being investigated for attempted murder.

Labasa Town Council special administrator Paul Jaduram, a friend of the victim, described the news as devastating, saying the town had lost a well-known operator in the local sound system industry.

He said he had known the victim, identified as Prem Chand, for a long time and extended condolences to the grieving family. A council team, he said, would attend the funeral to pay their respects.

“It is unfortunate to lose an asset such as Mr Chand because he was reliable and provided musical sound system hire for many high-profile events,” Mr Jaduram said.

He said Chand’s sound systems were used at events such as the Duavata Carnival and the Festival of the Friendly North, and would be missed this year.

“The whole town is sad and in a sorrowful state,” he said.

The victim was also a part-time music teacher at a cultural centre.

Ms Naisoro said police responded immediately after receiving a report of the incident, which was relayed following the alleged attack.

Mr Jaduram raised concerns about public safety in Labasa Town at night, calling for increased police visibility.

“I have called for a meeting with police stakeholders this afternoon or tomorrow to see how best we can collaborate and strategise town safety,” he said.

“This meeting will also try to work out ways to increase monitoring of criminal hotspots in town.”

He said the incident had raised fears that Labasa Town was becoming unsafe at night for pedestrians.

“I have observed laxity on the part of police with limited to no patrols in our town which gives perpetrators a chance to engage in crime and injure someone,” he said.

“There is limited foot patrol or vehicle patrol by police."