Death Spoils XMAS Plans
under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme.
The deceased’s brother Samu Bruce lives in New South Wales. He is said to be the Police’s point of contact there. He confirmed that the post-mortem was conducted yesterday but results were yet to be released.
Details of incident
Western Australian Police Force’s media unit in a release said Homicide Squad detectives charged a 42-year-old man with murder in relation to the death of Ms Bruce on Sunday.
“About 9.40am, Police were called to a hotel on Adelaide Terrace, where they located a woman with stab wound injuries. “The woman was taken by St John Ambulance WA to hospital, where she later died.”
The Police unit called on anyone with information relating to this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestopperswa.com.au
Court appearance yesterday
An update from Australia’s 9News said the accused was represented by an Aboriginal Legal Service in a very brief court appearance.
“He faced court from the dock at Perth Magistrates Court and the matter was adjourned to the Supreme Court on December 21,” the update said.
Devastated children
Speaking at their home in Wailekutu, Lami, Ms Bruce’s eldest daughter, Seremana Tikoilautoka, could not hide her emotions when she talked about her mother.
“We had plans to celebrate Christmas together and now it will only remain a plan because her life was taken away,” Ms Tikoilautoka said.
“The last time we spoke to our mother was last Saturday and she wished my younger siblings well in their exams this week.
“She asked us to always pray. Little did we know that it would be the last time we would speak to each other.
“I was shocked to receive a call yesterday (Monday) to inform me that my mother was stabbed.”
Ms Tikoilautoka described her mother as a kind, loving, helpful and a hardworking mother.
“Before my mother left I had to leave school. She asked if I could stay home this year to look after my siblings while she is away and next year I can start again. “When I told my twin sisters what happened to our mum they kept asking me if my mother would come and sleep at home. I don’t know how to answer their question.”
The late Ms Bruce’s father Apisalome Bruce said: “My daughter always looked after me and even when she left for Australia she continued to send money for us.”
Ministry response
Permanent Secretary for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations, Osea Cawaru, said: “The ministry is liaising with the late Ms Bruce’s employer on possible assistance including assistance in repatriation once the Australian authorities released the body.”.