Togovere villager dies after alleged assault, man charged

A 22-year-old man from Togovere Village in Ra has died after he was allegedly assaulted by a group of village youths.

The victim has been identified as Qilivati Nukuciri.

Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro confirmed the incident occurred on New Year’s Day.

“The victim was allegedly assaulted by youths on January 1. He was admitted to the intensive care unit and passed away on the morning of January 5,” Ms Naisoro said.

The incident has reportedly caused tension within the village, as the deceased was the son of the Turaga ni Yavusa.

A family member, who asked not to be named, said the family was struggling to come to terms with the incident.

“He didn’t speak much. He was a person with a good heart. We miss him,” she said.

A villager, who also spoke on condition of anonymity, said there were strained relations between the Turaga ni Yavusa and the families of the youths allegedly involved.

Village headman Sakiusa Dravo said he understood that on New Year’s Eve, the deceased was allegedly drinking with a group of youths in the village when an argument broke out.

“They had an argument, which allegedly ended up in a fight,” he said.

“We do not know what happened that led to the head injury sustained by the deceased. It must have been serious, as the injury resulted in his death.”

Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro confirmed that a 22-year-old suspect has been charged with one count of murder.

He is expected to be produced at the Tavua Magistrates Court today.