By CASEY NEILL
BUS driver Faavae Tuiloma has already forgiven two women who punched, bit and spat on him as they disembarked at Dandenong Railway Station.
“I hope you learn something from this and I hope you don’t do it again,” he said.
The 44-year-old man of God and father of five is nervously awaiting blood test results following the incident on Saturday 29 November.
He was behind the wheel of a bus travelling the 893 route from Cranbourne Shopping Centre to the station, and picked up the women at Dandenong Plaza Shopping Centre about 2.50pm.
They failed to use their MYKI cards when they boarded and Mr Tuiloma asked them to pay the fare when the bus reached its destination.
“All of a sudden she punched me in the chest. All of a sudden she ripped my shirt off. I just defended myself, pushing her,” he said.
“The second time I pushed this big lady in the mouth I feel my thumb went straight in her mouth and she bit it.
“When I went home that day my wife was so shocked when she saw me.
“I have five kids, four boys and my daughter. My daughter was just freaked out.”
Mr Tuiloma said friends had asked why he let two women beat him up, and said he had “a strong respect for women”.
“I know I was injured but in my heart I’m glad I let them go,” he said.
“If they were men, it’s a different story, defending myself.
“To me as a Christian – I’m serving in my church as a bishop for five years, now I’m still serving in high calling in my church – I still have to forgive them.”
Mr Tuiloma said all buses should have shields for drivers, similar to those in taxis.
Dandenong Police Senior Constable Chirath Pathirana said clear CCTV footage meant there was a strong chance of finding those responsible and urged witnesses to come forward.
“It’s a very low act. The bus driver’s just doing his job. He wants to go home in one piece like all of us,” he said.
“He definitely showed a lot of restraint. It’s hard to say what anyone else would have done.”
Police urged anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
Visit dandenong.starcommunity.com.au to watch CCTV footage of the incident.
