A troubling incident in Sabeto Village, Nadi, has raised serious concerns regarding safety and trust within the community following the deliberate destruction of a family home. The homeowner, Kaliova Saidrodro, suspects that a dispute over grass cutting fuel may have triggered this devastating event. His family faced a double threat after their property was targeted not once, but twice in quick succession. On December 11, they successfully extinguished an initial fire attempt, only to return a day later to find their home completely consumed by flames.
When Mr. Saidrodro arrived home on December 13, he was confronted with the charred remains of his residence. He reported that the fire was set two days prior. “We managed to put out the fire the first time, but when we returned late Friday night, the house was burned to the ground,” he shared, mourning the loss of all his family’s belongings.
With their house destroyed, the family is now reliant on relatives for shelter. The emotional toll is evident, especially for Mr. Saidrodro’s mother, who was heartbroken upon returning from work to find their home in ruins, intensifying the family’s sense of loss during this difficult time.
Neighbor Taniela Varo, who attempted to assist during the initial fire, recounted the frightening experience. “When I heard crackling sounds, I initially paid no attention, but the noise got louder, prompting me to check, and that’s when I saw the fire,” he recalled. Despite his efforts to smother the flames with a blanket, he later discovered signs that suggested foul play, such as an open back door and an unlit mosquito coil.
Community frustration is growing due to the perceived lack of action from local police regarding the identification of the suspects. Mr. Varo voiced his concerns, stating, “The police have not come around to arrest the suspects. They are known to the villagers here. It is pathetic the way the police are treating this complaint.”
West Police Commander SSP Iakobo Vaisewa has indicated that an investigation is ongoing. However, he noted that no arrests have been made so far, as authorities are still awaiting reports from the National Fire Authority. “The crime scene investigation report will help us determine the cause of the fire,” he explained.
In response to this distressing situation, the community is rallying together to support the Saidrodro family, fostering hope for swift justice and resolution. This incident underscores the critical need for safety, community vigilance, and effective law enforcement to ensure the well-being of residents in Sabeto Village. The solidarity displayed by the community members in the face of adversity reflects a deep-rooted commitment to helping one another during challenging times.