Iliesa Toga, a retired soldier and current security guard, has expressed deep appreciation after Fijians worldwide rallied to support him. This wave of encouragement followed a viral video that showed his calm response to a minor car accident.
The accident happened on October 18 when Mr. Toga’s car reportedly made contact with Bhavik Verma’s vehicle in Narere, Nasinu. Mr. Verma, in his early 20s, recorded Mr. Toga apologizing and offering to cover repair costs, without Mr. Toga’s knowledge. Mr. Toga initially agreed to pay $200, following a request of $500 from Mr. Verma, and paid $100 on the spot.
This video, which quickly gained traction online, inspired many to donate to Mr. Toga, and by last night, his M-Paisa account held $3,347.38. Expressing gratitude, Mr. Toga thanked Fijian supporters across the UK, US, New Zealand, Australia, and Europe, saying, “Your kindness proves that love can overcome any challenge.”
Despite the support, the video sparked some backlash, with Mr. Verma’s family reportedly facing social media threats. Mr. Toga urged people to remain peaceful and has since reported the situation to the police, who have not yet responded publicly.
Mr. Verma clarified that his intention in sharing the video was to identify Mr. Toga, though the response got out of hand. His father, Sanjay, mentioned that their family had asked for increased police presence due to the threats.
Moved by the response to the video, several individuals reached out to support Mr. Toga. Fijians have not only donated but also offered assistance, with mechanic Deo Kumar volunteering free garage services. Currently, Mr. Toga is considering legal action for defamation and has held off on the final $100 payment until the matter is settled.
This incident serves as a reminder to drive responsibly, aligning with the Land Transport Authority’s holiday “Drive Safe, Celebrate Responsibly” campaign promoting safety.