The family of Luke Ravuwai is questioning the circumstances surrounding the discovery of his body at Vunato in Lautoka.
Ravuwai’s cousin, Silina Filo, said his shirtless body was discovered with just his mobile phone, an unopened packet of cigarettes and a lighter, but his wallet was missing.
The 48-year-old was a farmer and had travelled from Nausori to Lautoka on Friday, May 16. His body was discovered a day later.
“His partner told us he’d just sold a piece of land, and he had money,” Ms Filo said.
“He had close to four thousand dollars with him which he’d kept in his wallet. He did not keep money in the bank and usually gave us money when he visited Lautoka.”
Ms Filo said she was only made aware of Ravuwai’s visit to Lautoka when his partner called on May 19 asking for him.
“She had taken the lead to Lautoka and Luke came afterwards on Friday.
“They did their shopping and on Friday afternoon, he went to have a few drinks at Kaleli (settlement) with a friend.
“He told his partner that he would have a few more drinks and then come to us, then go directly to the wharf to meet her. When she called, I told her that I did not know his whereabouts.”
Ms Filo said Ravuwai’s partner grew worried when she heard that a body with tattoos on it was found near a drain at Vunato.
“I checked the hospital, and they told me to go to the police station and bring an officer with me.
“When they showed me his body later, I saw it was him. He had injuries above his left brow and on his left lip. It looked like he’d been beaten up and left there.”
When asked about the details of Ravuwai’s post-mortem examination report, Ms Filo said her family preferred to wait for police investigations before giving way to speculation.
“Some people staying here said they saw him walking that night along the tramline. He was really drunk.
“People had been drinking on the ground near the bridge the night before. We could hear them shouting.
Ravuwai’s family will meet today to discuss funeral arrangements.
“He was a good person; he had a big heart,” Ms Filo said.
“Whenever he came to Lautoka, he’d always visit us because I was the only family member here, the rest were staying in Suva or Nausori.”
West Police Commander SSP Iakobo Vaisewa said investigations were ongoing.
Ravuwai is survived by his partner, seven siblings and his parents.
