NEWS

Youths Stone Rewa Fans

Police to investigate stoning incident as Rewa rugby supporters return from match in Tavua.
20 Oct 2020 11:13
Youths Stone Rewa Fans
Taniela Vuli.

A trip to Tavua on Saturday to support the Rewa rugby team for the Vodafone Vanua Championship semifinal match against Nanukuloa turned sour after Rewa won 22-13

On their return from Tavua, the buses, filled with men, women and children, were pelted with stones, dirty water that reeked of urine and bottles of water. It is unclear how many buses were subjected to the stoning incident.

Taniela Vuli, 60, sustained injuries to his face when a stone hit him while they were passing

Naqia Village in Wainibuka, Tailevu, at around 8pm. The Rewa supporters were returning to Navatuyaba Village.

“Everyone was happy about the team’s win and it had been a smooth journey while we were passing through villages in Ra, however when we reached Wainibuka all these things started happening,” Mr Vuli said.

“There were groups of youths on the roadside throwing dirty water at the bus, which reeked of urine, bottles of water, stones. All the buses that were going past these villages were subjected to this.”

He was injured when a stone that was thrown missed a child who was sitting in front of him, landed on his face.

“I wanted to dodge it, but it was too late. By the time we called out to the driver to stop we had already passed the village and the youths had all gone,” Mr Vuli said.

“Another man was also injured when a stone hit him on the chest. The bus was filled with women, men and children and some of them got wet from the water.”

Mr Vuli said they also had stones thrown at them when they passed Nausori Village.

“There was a group of boys standing near the Service Station who also threw stones at the bus and when the bus stopped they all ran towards Vuci Road.

“I didn’t go to hospital or lodge a complaint with Police because I didn’t think the injury would get worse.

“When I woke up the next day my eye was hurting and the bruise had darkened.”

Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro confirmed that Acting Commissioner of Police, Rusiate Tudravu, was aware of the incident and officers from the Nausori Police Station would visit Mr Vuli at the earliest.

“It is an unfortunate incident and while we will await the outcome of the visitation and investigation if they do opt to lodge a complaint, we do hope that the incident won’t be repeated as lives could have been lost,” Ms Naisoro said.

A report has been lodged with Police by the Rewa Rugby officials.

Edited by Naisa Koroi

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