A DISPUTE over grass cutting fuel is believed to be the motive behind the deliberate burning of a family home in Sabeto Village, Nadi, two weeks ago.
And homeowner Kaliova Saidrodro has urged authorities to take action after his house was targeted twice.
While the family managed to save the structure during the first attempt on December 11, a second fire on December 12 resulted in the complete destruction of their home.
“When I came home on Saturday morning (December 13), the house had already burned down, but the person who did this had actually set the fire first on Thursday,” Mr Saidrodro claimed.
“We were able to put out the fire the first time, but when we returned late Friday night, the house was burned to the ground.
The family is currently taking shelter with relatives.
Mr Saidrodro’s mother returned from work to find the home levelled.
“All of our belongings were inside, and everything was destroyed in the fire,” Mr Saidrodro said.
Neighbour Taniela Varo, who assisted during the first incident, described seeing the perpetrator’s method.
“When I heard crackling sound, I paid no attention,” Mr Varo said.
“After a while, I noticed the sound getting louder, so I stood up, and that’s when I saw the flames.
“I used a blanket to put out the fire, but afterwards I noticed the back door was open and someone had lit an object and thrown it through the window.
“I noticed that the mosquito coil was also not lit.”
Mr Varo shared his frustrations over the lack of immediate police action, noting the suspects were known to the community.
“The police have not come around to arrest the suspects,” he said.
“They are known to the villagers here. It is pathetic the way the police are treating this complaint.”
West Police Commander SSP Iakobo Vaisewa confirmed investigations were ongoing, but no arrests have been made.
“We are still awaiting the two fire reports from the National Fire Authority,” Mr Vaisewa said.
“The crime scene investigation report will help us determine the cause of the fire.”
Questions on the progress of the investigation report were sent to NFA chief fire officer Qionilau Moceitai.
