Close friends have shared the heartbreaking reality behind a double murder in Sydney's north-west, directly contradicting initial police reports of a deadly 'love triangle'. The two victims were close friends, not romantically involved, with one being a happily married father.
A violent attack in Quakers Hill
Anaseini Waqavuki, 38, and Epi Naitini, 30, were allegedly stabbed to death in the early hours of Sunday morning at Ms Waqavuki's home on Illabo Street, Quakers Hill. Neighbours alerted police after hearing screams and a commotion just before 5am.
Officers discovered Ms Waqavuki deceased inside the kitchen, suffering from multiple stab wounds. Mr Naitini was found outside on the footpath with severe wounds to his stomach and hands. He was rushed to Liverpool Hospital but succumbed to his injuries hours later.
Debunking the 'love triangle' narrative
New South Wales Police initially stated they believed the two victims were in a relationship and that the alleged attacker, Anare Vunitabua, 47, was Ms Waqavuki's former partner. This sparked widespread rumours on social media, falsely suggesting Mr Naitini had been unfaithful to his wife in Fiji.
However, Ms Waqavuki's best friend, Alisi Tuilevu, has firmly rejected this account. She told the Daily Mail that the pair were simply friends. 'Epi was only a friend to her and myself,' Ms Tuilevu stated. 'He did not move into her home. They were not housemates. We were all friends. He is married with children.'
Ms Tuilevu explained that Ms Waqavuki, known affectionately as 'Nada', had ended her six-year relationship with Vunitabua approximately two months before the attack. She described her friend as having a 'huge heart' who had tried to leave the relationship multiple times before but had forgiven him.
Grief-stricken families and legal proceedings
The tragedy has left two families devastated on opposite sides of the world. Mr Naitini's wife, Ilisapeci Naitini, who lives in the couple's Fijian home, posted a poignant tribute online. 'Man it really hurts,' she wrote in Fijian. 'Thank you so much my love.... I thank you for everything big and small we went through together.' Her social media history revealed the difficulties of their long-distance relationship.
Meanwhile, a fundraiser has been launched for Ms Waqavuki's children, who remain in Fiji. Her niece described her as a 'loving aunt, daughter, sister, and mother whose kindness and gentle spirit touched everyone'.
Anare Vunitabua presented himself at Blacktown Police Station later on Sunday and was arrested. He has been charged with two counts of murder. Vunitabua did not apply for bail during a brief court hearing on Monday and did not appear via video link. His case was adjourned, and he is next due to face Downing Centre Local Court on February 26.
Police established multiple crime scenes, including the Quakers Hill home, a Woodcroft service station where a knife was located, and a Blacktown address linked to the accused.
