Police have confirmed the death of an elderly woman in Rakiraki who neighbours say set herself on fire at her house on Monday.
The 79-year-old was staying alone at Caulasi when neighbours saw her collapsed on a burning heap of rubbish, they rushed to her assistance and took her to the hospital.
Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro confirmed the death of the woman was due to burns.
“Increasingly there are cases reported of older persons struggling with loneliness and depression as younger generation are moving off shore leaving their elders behind,” said Assistant Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection Sashi Kiran.
‘I call on our community networks and faith groups to reach out to older persons living in your community who may not have the necessary support and create opportunities to engage them to ensure they feel included and have a role to play in the society.”
“We can all play a role in suicide prevention. If we see someone lonely lets please reach out and assist.”
Ms Kiran has earlier announced that 16 elderly persons had committed suicide from January-June this year.
