Twelve officers under investigation

An internal investigation has been launched into twelve police officers in Fiji following the death of Sakiasi Ose Radravu, who was taken into custody in relation to an alleged burglary case.

The Fiji Police Force confirmed that the investigation will scrutinize the officers' adherence to established processes and procedures during a raid and subsequent detention. While a post-mortem examination revealed that Mr. Radravu's death was linked to a pre-existing medical condition, the police acknowledge that failures in due process have contributed to complaints and eroded public confidence.

Immediate family members were present for the identification and were briefed on the post-mortem findings. Police stated that no official report of assault was lodged following his arrest, a claim corroborated by the family. The case file, along with findings and recommendations for a possible inquest, will be forwarded to the Resident Magistrate.

In response to these concerns, a directive has been issued to investigate the officers involved in the initial arrest and detention, as well as issues of supervisory oversight. The Internal Affairs Unit is tasked with strengthening internal oversight mechanisms and ensuring accountability for middle managers, warning that non-compliance will lead to disciplinary action.