Police said the incident occurred at Naru Village between 7am and 7.30am.

The elderly woman died from her injuries while the other victim was treated at the Northern District Hospital.

Both victims and the suspect involved in the case are from Merelava.

Police confirmed that the suspect was arrested with assistance from residents of Naru Village and said investigations into the case are continuing.

The Vanuatu Women’s Centre (VWC) has condemned a brutal murder of the elderly woman which is the second fatal attack on a woman in Vanuatu in the past two weeks.

National Coordinator of VWC, Tatavola Lumbu Matas said the organisation strongly condemned this violent act.

“The VWC condemns the action of the brutal assault of the two persons, resulting in the death of the 81-year-old woman,” she said.

She said the incident highlighted a growing concern over the lack of respect for elderly people in some families and communities in Vanuatu.

“When incidences such as this happen, it shows that our communities are normalizing the use of violence as a means of dispute resolution.’’

Ms. Matas noted that the killing is the second woman to be murdered in less than two weeks, describing it as a painful reminder that women and girls of any age can become victims of violence.

“This is a painful reminder that violence happens to women and girls of any age, and elderly women are not immune to domestic violence,” she said.

She urged communities across Vanuatu to promote respect and resolve disputes peacefully.

“We must promote the culture of respect and using peaceful means to resolve disputes including domestic disputes,” she said.

Ms. Matas also called on the public not to treat domestic violence as a private family matter.

“We must stop treating domestic violence as private matters within a family and must not keep silent. We must do something about it, otherwise our silence gives permission for violence to continue,” she said.

SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST