Man Dead After Hit and Run

Driver in custody, questioned when post mortem exam results is released

A35-year- old man became the latest road fatality yesterday after he was involved in a hit and run accident in Vuci South Road, Nausori.

Sairusi Vunakece, 35, of Noco, Rewa, was walking down the road to his house when he was hit by a taxi at around 1am yesterday.

The taxi driver was allegedly under the influence of alcohol and was over speeding when the victim was hit, says Police spokesperson Inspector Josaia Weicavu. “The driver was driving without his headlights on and was speeding while being chased by the Police officers of Nausori Police Station for careless driving when the accident occurred,” Inspector Weicavu said. Mr Vunakece was on his way home after visiting his family, who was away at a relative’s place, when the taxi driver hit him and fled from the accident site. Inspector Weicavu said Police officers from Nausori Police Station continued the chase, until the driver was arrested and put into custody. The driver is expected to be questioned and charged.

The victim’s wife, Kelera Garitoga said she was heartbroken of what had happened to her sweet happy family. “Sai was a very caring husband and a loving father to his children and they loved their father more than anyone else.

“Life is not going to be the same without him around for me and my children as we always looked out for him and he was there for us every moment of life.” According to a family member, Mr Vunakece was the sole breadwinner of his family working as a casual worker in the neighbourhood.

Mr Vunaceke is survived by his wife, Ms Garitoga, 28, and five children Alivereti Vunakece, 10, Gade Daimani, 8, Emily Dradra, 6, Moses Dina, 5, Tomasi Waqa, 1. Edited by Filipe Naigulevu