By Marcus Uhe
The family of a man killed in a hit-run incident in Hampton Park in January have fought back tears to appeal for the person responsible or anyone with information regarding the incident to “do the right thing” by contacting Police.
Sole Manapori was riding his bicycle to work, which his family said he did every day, along Hallam Road when he was struck by a vehicle believed to be a red Holden Cruze sedan about 4.15am on Thursday 6 January.
It is believed the Holden went through a red light before striking the cyclist who was crossing at the pedestrian crossing, police say.
The driver of the car failed to stop and left 58-year-old on the road to die.
Police say the vehicle suspected of being involved was located burnt out on Maylands Drive in Glen Waverley shortly before 5am that morning.
Mr Manapori’s family described the victim as a “man of few words” who showed his love by helping others.
His Great Nephew John, said not having the case resolved is preventing he and his family from properly grieving.
“It’s still hurting us,” John said.
“Waking up every day in the morning without him there is very hard.
“If they did just come in and do the right thing, I believe our family will be peacefully happy.
“Even though we are still mourning the death of our Great Uncle, it will be much better for us if he hands himself in.”
A female family member said that the Manapori family would draw on their faith to help deal with the uncertainty.
When asked if they could find the capacity to forgive the perpetrator, the woman said the family would “eventually” reach that stage.
“We pride ourselves on our religion, so we would definitely get to forgiveness,” she said.
“Growing up as a Christian person we have always been taught to have forgiveness and be easy on others, but this situation is a lot more difficult to accept the teaching we have been learning because nobody deserves to die this way.
“I’m not too sure how to feel to the person.
“If only they did the right thing, it would be, not be any easier but it would be a lot better for us.”
A 29-year-old Endeavour Hills man was spoken to in relation to the death on 7 January and was released without charge.
The man handed himself into police however he remains a person of interest, Major Collision Investigation Unit detective Sergeant Peter Romanis said.
““We believe that there is information out there in regards to people associated with car that can provide us with some pieces of the puzzle so we can complete the picture to provide answers to the family,” Mr Romanis said.
“Everyone makes mistake but it’s important to really put themselves in the shoes of a grieving family.
“We ask them to look into their hearts and to come forward and to speak us about the information that they have.”
Mr Romanis said that Mr Manapori was an “innocent party” to the collision and said the actions of the driver responsible were “completely heartless”.
“He was riding on the footpath and was doing nothing wrong.
“To be left to die on the side of the road in the manner that he was is beyond words.”
Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and urge any witnesses or anyone who has dashcam footage or other information that could assist police to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at crimestoppersvic.com.au
