The family of 12 year old Lote Qima is living through every parent’s worst nightmare, after the young boy was found motionless in a bush just two houses away from their home in Wailoku.

Speaking to Fiji One News his uncle, Mikaele Waqabitu says the family is still struggling to come to terms with the tragedy after an overnight search ended in heartbreak.

He was the second eldest of six siblings and was in Year Six.

“We searched the whole morning but couldn’t find him,” Waqabitu said.

“My sister called our relatives in Vatuwaqa, then our aunt in Savura, and even his friends, but no one had seen him. We kept searching and couldn’t sleep because we were looking for him.”

According to Waqabitu, Lote had returned home from school on Wednesday afternoon and was playing outiside his home, before leaving with a friend, to play elsewhere.

Neighbours later told the family they had seen the two boys walking through the area and calling other children to join them.

The family says it was unlike Lote to stay away from home after dark.

“This is the first time something like this has happened. He would always be home before night,” Waqabitu said.

He claimed Lote was found with bruises on his body.

Waqabitu described the 12-year-old as a respectful and hardworking child who always helped his family.

“He was a very strong boy. He always helped his mother, came with us to the plantation and did his household chores. Even if he wanted to go swimming or to the shop, he would always ask for permission.”

Now, the family is calling for those responsible to be brought to justice.

“We just want to know who did it so that we can have justice. We never expected something like this to happen to him,” he said.

The tragedy has also revived painful memories in the community, as this is the second time a child has been found dead in the Wairua, Wailoku vicinity. Residents say the similarities between the two incidents have heightened fears and left many parents deeply concerned about the safety of their children.

Lote was originally from Vutia in Rewa and had maternal links to Taveuni. He was the second eldest of six siblings and was in Year Six.

A 17 year old boy is being questioned by Police in relation to the death.

Police have also taken in a 29 year old suspect and has since been released.

Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is urged to contact the Fiji Police Force using the toll free number 1681

Investigations continue.