Woman Still in Shock as Police Probe Curfew Breachers for Alleged Murder
Seven people were arrested for breach of curfew and public health orders.
A28-year-old woman’s dream to have her partner carry out their traditional wedding rites will not materialise.
Balenivono Mateboto said her husband to be was found in a pool of blood at the Prince Charles Park in Nadi yesterday morning.
He was rushed to the Nadi Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.
The case has been treated as an alleged murder.
Ratu Mara Batina, 22, was the son of former Nadi football goalkeeper Waisiki Batina, who hails from Wainibuka, Tailevu.
The couple have a son who will be three months of age on Sunday.
Police investigation
Police spokesperson Sergeant Wame Bautolu confirmed that seven people were currently being questioned at the Nadi Police Station.
Mr Bautolu said the four women and three men were arrested at the park after they were found drinking alcohol
“Police responded to a report of a fight in progress at Prince Charles Park where the seven were arrested. A 22-year-old man from Nakolia, Nawaka was found lying unconscious with visible injuries,” Mr Bautolu said.
Ms Mateboto’s account
When we visited the deceased’s home at Nakolia, Nawaka, yesterday, the grieving Ms Mateboto said she was still in a state of shock.
“Plans were in the pipeline for us to get married later this year in December. We were all looking forward to it after we welcomed our son about three months ago,” Ms Mateboto said.
She added their love story began in December 2019 in Suva before moving to Nadi. Her last conversation with the deceased on the phone was on Wednesday night. He was supposed to return home before the curfew.
“His cousin said that they would spend a night at Saunaka and would return later. I waited until the morning only to be greeted by the Police with the news,” an emotional Ms Mateboto said.