Friends Dispute Love Triangle Narrative in Quakers Hill Double Murder Tragedy

By The Global Herald Staff January 3, 2026

In the quiet suburb of Quakers Hill, Sydney, a pre-dawn tragedy has shattered lives and sparked widespread misinformation. Anaseini Waqavuki, 38, and Epi Naitini, 30, were allegedly stabbed to death in a violent incident that police initially linked to a love triangle. However, heartbroken friends and family have come forward to set the record straight, insisting the deaths stem from domestic violence rather than romantic jealousy.

The incident unfolded just before 5am on Sunday, December 28, 2025, at Ms Waqavuki’s home on Illabo Street. Neighbours reported hearing terrifying screams that pierced the early morning silence. Inside the house, Ms Waqavuki was found in the kitchen with fatal stab wounds. Mr Naitini, who reportedly tried to defend himself or her, was discovered on the footpath outside with injuries to his stomach and hands, suggesting a desperate struggle. He was rushed to Liverpool Hospital but died shortly after from his wounds.

Anare Vunitabua, 47, Ms Waqavuki’s former partner, turned himself in at Blacktown Police Station soon after. He has been charged with two counts of murder and appeared in Blacktown Local Court on Monday, where bail was refused. His case is set to return to court in February 2026. Police recovered a knife believed to be the murder weapon from a nearby service station in Woodcroft, establishing crime scenes at multiple locations, including the home and a Blacktown address associated with the accused.

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The devastating twist in the alleged ‘love triangle’ murder that …

Caption: Anaseini Waqavuki, 38, one of the victims in the Quakers Hill stabbing. (Credit: Daily Mail)

Initial police briefings suggested a domestic dispute involving a love triangle, with Superintendent Jason Joyce stating that Ms Waqavuki and Mr Naitini were believed to be in a relationship, and Vunitabua her ex. This narrative quickly spread across social media, fueling rumors and causing additional anguish for the victims’ families. But those close to the pair vehemently deny any romantic involvement.

Alisi Tuilevu, Ms Waqavuki’s best friend, told reporters, “Epi was just a friend – a happily married man with a wife and children back in Fiji. There was no love triangle.” Mr Naitini’s widow, Ilisapeci Naitini, reinforced this, pleading for compassion amid the speculation. “My husband was devoted to our family; he called us every day. Anaseini was a friend to us both – we even spoke on video calls on Christmas Day.” She expressed heartbreak over the false affair rumors, which have compounded the grief for their young daughters.

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SYDNEY STABBING VICTIM’S WIFE CALLS FOR COMPASSION AMID RUMOURS …

Caption: Epi Naitini with his family, highlighting his role as a devoted husband and father. (Credit: Facebook)

All three individuals were part of Sydney’s close-knit Fijian community, many of whom migrate to Australia for better job opportunities while supporting families back home. Ms Waqavuki, a single mother, had ended her six-year relationship with Vunitabua two months prior, citing a history of alleged abuse. Friends say she had urged him to change, but the breakup led to escalating tensions. Mr Naitini, who worked in Australia to provide for his wife and children in Fiji, was reportedly at the home for a casual gathering the night before – not as a romantic partner, but as a platonic friend and occasional housemate in the shared migrant living arrangements common in the community.

The Fijian diaspora has rallied in mourning, with tributes pouring in for both victims. Ms Waqavuki is remembered as a loving mother and aunt who sacrificed much to build a better life. Her niece, Georgina Bulewa, described her as “kind-hearted and always putting family first.” A GoFundMe page has been established to help repatriate her body to Fiji and support her children, who are now without their primary provider. Similarly, Mr Naitini’s family is fundraising to cover funeral costs and assist his widow and daughters.

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The devastating twist in the alleged ‘love triangle’ murder that …

Caption: Anare Vunitabua, the accused, as seen in court-related coverage. (Credit: Daily Mail)

Community leaders have used the tragedy to highlight the prevalence of domestic violence in migrant groups, where cultural stigmas and isolation can prevent victims from seeking help. “This wasn’t about infidelity; it was about control and abuse,” a spokesperson for a Fijian support network said. Organizations like White Ribbon Australia have noted a rise in awareness following such incidents, urging better resources for at-risk communities.

Investigations are ongoing, with police appealing for witnesses who may have seen suspicious activity around 4:30am. Forensic teams have combed the scenes, and autopsies confirmed the causes of death as multiple stab wounds. The case has also prompted discussions on how media and social platforms amplify unverified rumors, further victimizing families.

As the Fijian community grieves, plans are underway for memorial services in Sydney and Fiji. Ms Waqavuki and Mr Naitini are survived by their loving families, whose calls for truth and justice echo amid the sorrow. This incident serves as a somber reminder of the hidden dangers of domestic violence, urging society to listen to survivors and support those in need.

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SYDNEY STABBING VICTIM’S WIFE CALLS FOR COMPASSION AMID RUMOURS …