Police Commissioner Dismisses Claims of Rift with Military

Fiji's top police official has firmly addressed and dismissed rumors of a division between the Police Force and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces. Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu asserted that both institutions remain steadfastly united in their commitment to combating crime and ensuring ongoing investigations proceed without interference. His statements came after a joint briefing with RFMF Commander Ro Jone Kalouniwai, where mutual support for the Joint Task Force was reaffirmed.

The Commissioner highlighted the continued focus of the Joint Task Force on intelligence sharing, operational planning, and ground support across all five policing divisions. This collaborative effort aims to disrupt and dismantle criminal networks effectively. Tudravu also provided crucial updates on several high-profile investigations, including the death of Jone Vakarise, confirming that inquiries, witness statements, forensic work, and digital analysis are actively progressing, though no arrests have been made yet.

Furthermore, Tudravu addressed concerns regarding security breaches at RFMF installations in Lautoka and Nabua, assuring the public that investigations are ongoing with several promising leads being pursued through intelligence and forensic analysis. He acknowledged the public's growing concern over the lack of immediate updates but stressed the importance of maintaining investigation integrity and the justice process by avoiding premature release of details. "I am calling for patience and understanding and the support of the Joint Task Force and the investigation team. Major developments will be released in due course," he stated.

In a significant move towards transparency, especially in cases involving law enforcement personnel, Tudravu also rejected allegations of a cover-up concerning the death of the late Police Constable Peniasi Racagi. He confirmed that investigators are meticulously examining both the circumstances of the officer’s death and claims of police involvement. The investigation file has been submitted to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for review before any charges are laid, underscoring a commitment to a thorough and impartial process. Finally, the Commissioner issued a stern warning against what he termed "cowardly" social media attacks targeting police officers and the integrity of the Fiji Police Force, vowing to pursue legal action against individuals spreading unsubstantiated allegations.

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I am calling for patience and understanding and the support of the Joint Task Force and the investigation team. Major developments will be released in due course.