A 25-year-old man has been formally charged with the murder of his 3-year-old child in Lomolomo, Lautoka, following an intense police investigation. Initially reported as a domestic accident, where it was claimed that the child had fallen and sustained injuries, the case took a dramatic turn after further probes by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID).
The CID investigation uncovered evidence suggesting that the injuries were allegedly a result of physical assault perpetrated by the father, contrary to the initial claims of an accidental fall. Consequently, he has been charged with both murder and assault causing actual bodily harm.
Appearing in the Lautoka Magistrates Court, the accused faced legal proceedings on September 29, 2025. The court has since remanded him in custody, transferring the case to the Lautoka High Court for another hearing scheduled for October 13, 2025.
This tragic case mirrors another recent incident in another region, where a man in his 30s was charged in a similar case involving the death of a child purported to be due to assault. In both cases, the alleged perpetrators were found to have a history of abusive behavior, highlighting the critical need for vigilance and protective measures in domestic settings to prevent such devastating outcomes. These cases send a stern reminder of the potential hidden dangers within homes and the importance of safeguarding children and reporting suspected abuse promptly.
Emphasizing community awareness and prompt reporting could help in earlier intervention to prevent such tragic incidents in the future.