COMPASSIONATE 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.
16 lost to NCDs
Of the 20 lives lost in the year ending September 29, 2020, 16 were lost to non-communicable diseases, one was murdered in the line of duty, an officer drowned, one was hit by a vehicle and another at her own hands.
Chief guest, the Speaker of Parliament Ratu Epeli Nailatikau said policing was a high-risk occupation and safety was an ever-occurring thought in the minds of Police officers on duty whether at the Police stations, traffic posts or apprehending people who had broken the law.
He said the expectations from the public were high and people were ever ready to criticise the Police. He said appreciation must be given to the families of Police officers who provided the support needed to carry out their duties.
“I have been informed that noncommunicable diseases are a worrying trend in the force,” he said. “The increased demands on policing and emerging challenges requires the necessary physical and psychological support to personnel.
“Stress of work can have multiple effects on an officer’s work and personal life. The impacts of these challenges are often reflected in service delivery and community or public expectations.”
An honest man
Sergeant Gopal Chetty fell into the ocean and drowned near Toberua Island in April this year. He was 50-years-old.
His wife, Aynul Nisha said he was an honest and a Police officer 24 hours a day.
“He had two phones. One was the work number which kept ringing day and night. He always answered and made sure he helped those in need,” she said.
“I hope families out there realise the difficulties Police officers face in the line of duty and provide the intimate support they need.”
Talk it out
Constable Shivangni Naidu, 24, lost her life at her own hands.
Her mother Saroj Naidu does not know why her daughter did what she did.
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.