Fiji detectives investigating joint task force raid after death

Detectives in Fiji are investigating the death of Sakiasi Ose, a man in his 30s from Kinoya, following a raid on his home. Ose died after reportedly returning to a health center with a deteriorated condition. Police spokesperson Wame Bautolo stated the Criminal Investigations Department is leading the inquiry into the circumstances surrounding his death, with a post-mortem examination ordered to confirm the cause.

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The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) is heading the inquiry, and will look into the circumstances surrounding his death.

This incident marks the second recent death in Suva connected to alleged home raids by a joint police and military taskforce. Previously, Jone Vakarisi, described as a drug lord, died in military custody on April 17. His sister claimed he was "brutalised to death." Vakarisi's death certificate listed aspiration of gastric contents, severe traumatic head injuries, and blunt force trauma as causes.

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A post mortem has also been directed to confirm the cause of death.

The Republic of Fiji Military Forces commander initially attributed Vakarisi's death to a medical emergency but later corrected the statement. Following a high-level meeting, Vakarisi's death was classified as murder by police, though no arrests have been made. The joint taskforce was formed to address a national drug crisis.

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Initial information gathered from medical officials is that he (Ose) presented himself at the health centre on 3 June and was advised that he would need further medical tests.