The family of a woman allegedly stabbed to death by her husband who later killed himself, say they have forgiven him.
It is because Paula Kafoa treated the children of his partner, Sainimere Tuinasakea, like his own.
This was the explanation given by Ms Tuinasakea’s younger sister Seini, and the deceased’s daughter Maryanne, who said her stepfather loved her and her siblings and always ensured they were well looked after.
“Even though it is hard to accept what he did to my mother, I would always thank him for looking after us,” the 13-year-old said.
“He was a nice man. He helped my mum look after us.”
“My mum did just the same.
“She would put my small brother to sleep then she’d come to my room and give me some advice before I sleep.”
The couple met last year while Kafoa was in New Zealand as a seasonal worker.
Seini Tuinasakea also described Kafoa as a quiet and humble man.
“We have forgiven him because he had become part of our family,” she said.
“He was a humble, quiet man who didn’t speak much.
“He’d only talk when we ask him questions or when we start the conversation.
“Although, I noticed some difference after they got married, and my sister also shared this with me, we still loved him because he was family.
“I really don’t know what happened that morning but Paula treated my nieces and two nephews as his own children. He loved them.”
The couple both died in their PRB flat in Suva last Sunday morning after an argument.
