Little Mesake's Body Found

The body of the 4-year-old boy who was swept away whilst trying to cross a creek with a relative in Sakoca has been found.

Divisional Police Commander South (DPC/S) Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Wate Vocevoce said a 28-year-old woman found the child’s body floating in the Nasinu River as she was returning from a fishing trip last night. Officers retrieved the victim's body and he was conveyed to the Colonial War Memorial Hospital mortuary.

Investigations continue.

Family Tells

I hope I see my son today.

The Mateyawa family is grieving and hoping for the return of their four- year-old nephew, Mesake Turaganivalu. He was swept away by strong currents in a flooded creek at the Nairevurevunicagi Settlement, Sakoca, Tacirua, on Tuesday night, August 15.

At about 6pm, a Police search and rescue team was deployed to the area with the help of neighbours to conduct a search.

Mesake’s aunty, Sainiana Mateyawa, 53, could not control her emotion yesterday as she described the tragic incident.

Mesake has been under Jimione and Sainiana Mateyawa’s care since he was four months old.

Ever since then, Mesake has always referred to the couple as “mom and dad.”

It seemed like any normal morning for Ms Mateyawa on Tuesday when she allowed Mesake to tag along with a family member who was heading to the other side of the settlement to do some electrical wiring work.

“I didn’t think anything this serious would happen to my baby boy, I hope I see him today,” she shared.

Mrs Mateyawa and her husband were getting ready for a small family celebration at home when they were informed of the devastating news.

“After hearing of what had happened, my husband and everybody at home went to the creek to find my son. The search has been unsuccessful until now,” she said.

Marika Raleba showing where the victim was swept away. Photo: Ronald Kumar

According to Ms Mateyawa, given the continuous rain, the family member tried to make an attempt to cross the flooded creek as the other road home was longer.

The family member tried to cross the river by throwing Mesake over to the other side but was unsuccessful.

This landed Mesake in the flooded creek.

“She jumped into the flood water to try and save him but at a turn, she felt something hit her hand. That was when she let go of Mesake’s hand,” she said.

Ms Mateyawa said the family member immediately ran to the neighbours for help.

“The search last night was unsuccessful, but since this morning, Police have been here to continue their search,” she said.

Yesterday, Mr Mateyawa acted upon the Police’s advice to approach the Tui Kalabu and request his assistance in finding his son.

Divisional Police Commander South Senior Superitendent of Police (SSP), Wate Vocevoce said police officers from the Valelevu Police Station were deployed to the scene yesterday morning covering on foot and on a small boat down the creek.

“Search efforts will continue until the child is found, or until the hours of darkness,” he said.

Mr and Ms Mateyawa have six children, two whom are adopted.

Feedback: beranadeta@fijisun.com.fj