Man charged with double murder after fatal stabbing in Quakers Hill

By Staff Reporter December 30, 2025

A 47-year-old man has been charged with two counts of murder following a fatal stabbing incident in Sydney’s north-west suburb of Quakers Hill that claimed the lives of two members of the Fijian community.

Anaseini Waqavuki, 38, was found dead in the kitchen of her home on Illabo Street shortly before 5am on Sunday, December 28, after suffering multiple stab wounds. A 30-year-old man, later identified in reports as Epi Naitini, was discovered critically injured on the footpath outside the property with stab wounds to his stomach and hands. He was rushed to Liverpool Hospital but succumbed to his injuries around 9am.

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Police arrested Anare Vunitabua at Blacktown Police Station around 5:30am after he allegedly presented himself there. Investigators believe he was the former partner of Ms Waqavuki. A knife, believed to be the murder weapon, was recovered from a nearby service station in Woodcroft, where it had been discarded.

Superintendent Jason Joyce from Riverstone Police Area Command described the incident as appearing to be domestic violence-related. “At this stage, it would appear to be a domestic violence incident,” he said.

Vunitabua appeared via audio-visual link in NSW Bail Court on Monday, where he did not apply for bail. His lawyer indicated no application for release would be made. The matter is next scheduled for February 2026 at the Downing Centre Local Court.

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Neighbours expressed shock at the violence in what they described as a quiet, working-class area. Wayne Spalding, a local resident, told reporters: “They seemed like a normal, happy family… they never really caused any trouble other than having a party when they could. It’s shocking. I would never think that would happen here.”

Another witness reported hearing “four wordless screams of fear” in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Multiple crime scenes were established, including the Illabo Street home, Liverpool Hospital, a Blacktown address linked to the accused, and the service station.

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The Fijian community in Australia and beyond is mourning the loss of Ms Waqavuki, who had moved from Fiji seeking a better life. Described by family as a devoted mother and the “backbone of the family,” she is survived by three children, including sons Joshua, 17, and Rupeni, 12. Her eldest son Joshua said: “My year without mum will start soon.”

Niece Georgina Bulenu remembered her as “a good mum” whom “the kids really loved.” Family members are working to bring remaining children from Fiji to Perth for the funeral.

While some early reports suggested a possible love triangle involving Mr Naitini as Ms Waqavuki’s new partner, relatives have clarified that he was an acquaintance, emphasising the incident as an act of domestic violence.

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Tributes have poured in on social media from the Fijian diaspora, highlighting Ms Waqavuki’s vibrant personality and community spirit.

Police continue to investigate the circumstances leading to the tragedy. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing issue of domestic violence in Australia. Support is available through 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).