‘Recent Elderly Attacks Worrying’
The suspect is alleged to have forcefully entered the victim’s home.
Wednesday 12 February 2025 | 08:58
The victim’s house at Siberia, Labasa on February 11, 2025. Photo: Shratika Naidu
Why harm my 75-year-old mother who has served the community in Siberia, Labasa for more than 50 years?
A distressed daughter, Vandhana Goundar questioned while attending to her mother, Latchmama at Labasa Hospital yesterday.
The youngest of four siblings said she had to leave home in Nadi after she was informed that an unknown person had assaulted her mother on Sunday night inside her house. Her mum was found by a neighbour covered in blood on Monday morning.
Related stories
“When I saw my mother she had cuts on her forehead, both eye lids turned black indicating that someone punched both her eyes so that she can loose her eyesight,” Ms Goundar said.
“She is suffering from body pains and when she turns to one side to sleep, blood flows from her nose as she has internal injuries.”
She said despite numerous efforts to recall memories of the incident, the mother struggled to remember.
“Thanks to the neighbour who took the initiative to take my mother to Labasa Hospital on time,” she said.
“It is really sad to note that despite calls been made to the Police by the neighbour to attend to the crime scene to assist my mother, there was no help shown.”
Ms Goundar claims that Fiji is no longer safe; she questioned the relevant authorities on why there was a sudden attack on two elderly Indo-Fijians.
“Last month an elderly Indian man in Wainikoro, Labasa was killed by a group of youths and recently my mother was targeted,” she said.
“Police and Government need to seriously work on reducing crime otherwise Fiji will no longer be safe for elderly people.”
Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations, Livai Driu confirmed that an 18-year-old youth has been arrested for his alleged involvement in an aggravated robbery case.
The suspect is alleged to have forcefully entered the victim’s home.
It is alleged that when he was confronted by the victim, he assaulted her and later stole assorted items which included liquor and cash.
“The suspect remains in custody and investigators are pursuing leads into the involvement of another suspect,” ACP Driu said.
“The victim is in a stable condition, investigations continue.”
Feedback: shratikan@fijisun.com.fj
