Man fatally stabbed in Sydney laid to rest in Nasinu today

A 30-year-old father who was fatally stabbed in Sydney was laid to rest at the Nasinu cemetery today.

Epineri Naitini was farewelled following a church service at his home in Naulu, Nakasi, before his burial, bringing to an end days of mourning for a life cut short far from home.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Mr Naitini’s aunt Venina said he was a gentle soul.

“He was such a good kid. He never talked back. He had a humble and loving personality,” she said.

Mr Naitini was fatally stabbed on the morning of December 28, in Quakers Hill, Sydney, outside a home on Illabo Street. Despite being rushed to hospital, he died a few hours later.

Australian police allege that Mr Naitini and Anaseini Waqavuki were attacked by Ms Waqavuki’s former partner, Anare Vunitabua, 47.

Originally from Nabudrau, Noco, Rewa, Mr Naitini married Ilisapeci Naitini in December 2022. The couple have two young children — Lavenia, 7, and Karalaini, 2— who family members say will now grow up without their father’s love and guidance.

At work, Mr Naitini was part of the Protech family, where colleagues remembered him for his technical skills, generosity and constant talk of his family back in Fiji. He often shared his dreams of giving his children a better future.