The father of late Grace Gavera has spoken of how he continues to struggle with accepting his daughter’s death – especially one that resulted from a violent altercation.
An emotional Bau Sabadi shared with media how he learnt of his daughter’s passing.
“It was hard for me. I felt lost because on the 24th (November) I was with her. She called me, we shared some kaikai and she gave me some bus fare.
“I left her at 1 o’clock. The next day 25th, when I heard that she had died, I couldn’t believe it. It was hard for me. But I had to come to the hospital. I confirmed that it was her.”
Sabadi, a policeman by profession, is a Men of Honour awardee.
The Men of Honour is an initiative of the Digicel Foundation to give recognition to men who make a positive impact in their communities around the country.
He is recognised in his community at Gabagaba village, Central Province, for setting up an early learning centre.
He said his later daughter Grace provided a lot for him and the work he did in the community.
“I was full of anger. Even my wantoks came, telling me to do this and that, but said no, we leave everything to the law. I remembered that I was a Men of Honour ambassador, and I had to hold myself together and respond to my daughter’s death in the right way.”
Sabadi said he is glad that the perpetrator who killed his daughter is in police custody.
He only wants justice for his daughter. Nothing more, nothing less.
“I was interviewed by the media after Grace died. They asked me if I wanted the death penalty (for her killer). I told them no, because I don’t want someone else’s blood on my hands. I feel the pain (of losing her). It’s there. I can’t forget it. I miss her.”