local news

Warden murder leads to widespread condemnation

By Daniela Farrugia Randon

The macabre murder of a warden, 48 year-old mother Fortunata Spiteri from Xaghra Gozo, unleashed a wave of condemnation.

There were no wardens on the streets yesterday, as a sign of respect for the death of one of their colleagues.

Warden number 53 was found dead in her car, after being stabbed at Gharb.

Mrs Spiteri was on the Ta’ Pinu road between San Lawrenz and Gharb. She was reportedly stabbed six times in her chest and hands.

Mrs Spiteri managed to return to her car, but crashed into a wall after collapsing from loss of blood. A passer-by informed another warden, just 100 metres away, that a car had crashed into a pylon.

Mrs Spiteri was next to a bus stop when she was attacked by an unknown person who approached her from behind a tree.

After being stabbed she entered her car and according to the police she released her handbrake, but did not manage to start the car. The car then moved across the road and hit a pylon. A Maltese couple reported the accident to another warden nearby.

The incident occurred on Friday evening at 23.00hrs. Magistrate Paul Coppini was appointed to carry out an inquiry. The Police Commissioner, Mr George Grech also visited the site.

At 2pm yesterday, wardens, local councils representatives, union representatives and warden administrators met at the B’Kara Civic Council.

The meeting commenced with a minute of silence in remembrance of Furta, as she was fondly remembered.

Fortunata’s colleagues gave a day’s wage to Spiteri’s family, as a contribution toward the funeral expenses.

Mr De Martino, from the Guard and Warden Service House Limited, emphasised that this was just a short meeting to remember their colleague and not to discuss any other topics.

Though stressing the importance of reviewing security issues, he said this was not the right time because this day was to be dedicated solely and entirely to Fortunata’s memory.

De Martino, time and again, promised security issues would be discussed because they are of utmost importance to the company.

All wardens were encouraged to attend their colleague’s funeral and he confirmed that no wardens would work during the ceremony.

Karmenu Vella, Secretary of the Professional Sectors and Services of the General Workers’ Union, expressed his solidarity and disapproval at this appalling act. He promised that in due time, the Union would discuss security issues.

Yesterday morning, a meeting for the local wardens was also held in Gozo, where it was suggested that these workers do not return to their duties until after Furta’s funeral.

When MaltaToday asked Mr De Martino if Fortunata’s murder could be related to a past incident on the job, he replied that though not much is known at the moment, it was unlikely, especially since no reported threats had been made by the victim.

He also confirmed that wardens are always insured, as it is a pre-condition set by the authorities.

MaltaToday also spoke to Minister for Gozo, Giovanna Debono about the incident. She expressed her dismay at the incident. Mrs Debono visited the site of the incident and the Gozo General hospital where Fortunata Spiteri was declared dead.

The Minister said that it was not possible for her to say whether the murder was related to Spiteri’s job or not but stressed that the Police were working very hard to find the perpetrator.
Dr Austin Gatt, Local Councils Ministers also condemned the killing and expressed his condolences to the family.

When asked for a comment Mr David Apap, Mayor of Gharb, said it was not possible for him to express his views on the issue believing that it was not ethical. Mr Apap said he was only made aware of the incident on Saturday morning.