Heartbroken friends have lifted the lid on the tragic real story behind the two alleged victims of a so-called love triangle that ended in a double murder charge.
Anaseini Waqavuki, 38, and Epi Naitini, 30, were allegedly stabbed to death by Ms Waqavuki’s former partner, Anare Vunitabua, 47, at her Quakers Hill home, in Sydney‘s north west, just before 5am on Sunday.
But now it’s been revealed Ms Waqavuki’s ‘new boyfriend’ who died alongside her was just a happily-married mate, with a wife of his own back in Fiji – and not in a romantic relationship with his close friend.
Neighbours called police to Illabo Street after hearing screams and a commotion, with officers allegedly finding Ms Waqavuki dead in the kitchen with multiple stab wounds.
Mr Naitini was discovered lying on the footpath outside with stab wounds to his stomach and hands. He was rushed to Liverpool Hospital, where he died hours later.
Vunitabua, 47, was arrested after presenting to Blacktown Police Station later that day. He has been charged with two counts of murder and is in custody as his matter remains before the courts.
NSW Police on Sunday said that they believed the two alleged victims were in a relationship and Vunitabua was her ex.
Rumours have since run rife on social media that Mr Naitini must have been cheating on his wife, Ilisapeci Naitini, who lives in the couple’sFijian island home.
However, Ms Waqavuki’s best friend Alisi Tuilevu told the Daily Mail the initial information provided by police was incorrect and the two alleged victims were only friends.
Anaseini Waqavuki, 38, and Anare Vunitabua, 47, (pictured together) were in a relationship for six years before she broke things off two months ago
Epi Naitini, 30, was allegedly murdered in the double stabbing on Sunday
‘Epi was only a friend to her and myself,’ she said.
‘Epi did not move into her home. They were not housemates. We were all friends.
‘He is married with children.’
Ms Tuilevu said Ms Waqavuki, affectionately known as ‘Nada’, was in a relationship with Vunitabua for six years before breaking things off with him two months ago.
She said her friend had tried numerous times to previously end the relationship but she loved him and he would always promise things would change for the better.
‘Nada had a huge heart and was full of forgiveness, so naturally she would forgive and take him back,’ Ms Tuilevu said.
‘I told her multiple times to come stay with me, but she said she was okay.’
Meanwhile, Mr Naitini’s heartbroken wife has spoken out about her grief as she comes to terms with losing her husband.
Police were called to Illabo Street, Quakers Hill, after the pair were allegedly stabbed during the early hours of Sunday
‘Man it really hurts,’ she wrote online in Fijian.
‘Thank you so much my love….
‘I thank you for everything big and small we went through together.’
Ms Naitini previously posted online about the hardships of long-distance relationships, revealing in 2022 the couple were spending their first Christmas apart.
A few months later, she wrote: ‘When you finally find a healthy relationship but God decided to put you in a long-distance relationship.’
As they marked their anniversary in May 2024, she shared photos of the family bidding Mr Naitini farewell at the airport and photos of him during his time in Sydney.
‘Cheers to another year,’ she wrote.
‘Love and miss you so much.’
Mr Naitini was a married father from Fiji
Ms Naitini frequently shared gushing posts online about her husband as she opened up about the difficulties of long-distance relationships
Tributes have also poured in online for Ms Waqavuki as loved ones rally to raise funds for her children in Fiji and her funeral in Perth.
Ms Waqavuki’s niece Georgina Bulewa described her as a ‘loving aunt, daughter, sister, and mother whose kindness and gentle spirit touched everyone who knew her’.
‘Anaseini has left behind her children in Fiji, who are now facing life without their mother,’ she wrote on GoFundMe.
‘Her loss has left a deep and painful void in our family and community.
‘This is a heartbreaking reality for our family, and our thoughts and prayers are especially with her children during this unimaginably painful time.’
Photos posted online show Ms Waqavuki and Vunitabua attending weddings, dining with friends, and travelling around Australia together over the past five years.
In 2022, she shared a video of herself making a chocolate cake for Vunitabua, who went by the nickname Dez, to celebrate his birthday.
‘Baking again… Using my new baking utensils… Needs more practice,’ she wrote.
Vunitabua (pictured) remains in custody charged with two counts of murder
Ms Waqavuki and Vunitabua are pictured together in April 2020
‘Happy birthday Dez!’
Crime scenes were set up at Ms Waqavuki’s Quakers Hill home, a service station in nearby Woodcroft where police located a knife, and a Blacktown address linked to Vunitabua.
Vunitabua was represented by a lawyer as his matter was heard in court on Monday.
He did not apply for bail and did not appear in court via video link as his case was adjourned.
Vunitabua is due to face Downing Centre Local Court on February 26.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au.