Pacific Magazine: FIJI: Fishing Dispute Leads to Killing

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Pacific Magazine
Tuesday: March 15, 2005
 
Tension is high between two groups on the island of Taveuni after a village headman was allegedly bashed to death in a dispute.
Samuela Matana, 30, the headman of Waitabu Village on Taveuni was allegedly punched several times inside a home at the nearby Vurevure Settlement.

The incident occurred after men from Vurevure and others were caught fishing in a marine park belonging to Waitabu village. Fishing in the marine park is strictly prohibited and the matter has been reported to police several times. A Waitabu villager, who did not wish to be named, said Vurevure settlers became angry after the matter was reported to police.

Following the death of Mantana, tension escalated between the Vurevure settlers and villagers forcing police to step in an try to calm the situation..
Divisional Crime Officer Northern Superintendent Waisea Kadawa confirmed a man from Vurevure Settlement was in custody but was yet to be charged.
He said charges would depend on the post-mortem examination.

Police officers are monitoring the situation. 

– Fiji Times/Pacnews

Pacific Magazine: FIJI: Fishing Dispute Leads to Killing

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