Mother Forgives Son’s Killer

With tears streaming down her face, Makereta Koroi, 67, said she had forgiven her son’s killer as she cherished her slain son Constable Siuta Niumataiwalu.

She was at the Police Remembrance Day at the Police Special Response Unit, Nasinu, yesterday with other family members of offiers who had lost their lives in the past year.

Constable Niumataiwalu was 24 years old when he died. He was stabbed by a man he was trying to apprehend. He died a hero on October 22, 2019.

His mother said with affirmation that she had forgiven the man who stabbed her son.

For Ms Koroi, Siuta was a shining star and a real hero. She said she was sad she had lost her youngest son but proud that he died in the line of duty.

Makareta Koroi while laying the wreath to remeber her late son, Cont. Siuta Niumataiwalu during Police Remembrance Day at Police Special Response Unit on September 29, 2020. Photo: Ronald Kumar.

But feels that it could have been depression. Just an year earlier, she lost her husband Radha Krishna Naidu, also a Police officer.

“I am very glad that the police have started the counselling services with Medical Services Pacific,” she said.

“If you are depressed, talk it out with a friend or a family member. Taking your own life will not solve anything.”

The Police Remembrance Day is held each year to honour the lives of officers who have died.

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

Feedback: shalveen.chand@fijisun.com.fj