A heartbreaking incident at the Savusavu Police Station has left a family devastated and the local community deeply troubled. Marika Radua, a farmer from Naviavia Settlement in Cakaudrove, tragically lost his life on Tuesday after reportedly being beaten by a cellmate.
Radua was arrested early that day on allegations of an offense and spent nearly six hours in custody. His aunt, Unaisi Solaila, shared that her cousin, Samuela Male, visited Radua in the morning and discovered him sharing a cell with two other men, one of whom is believed to have mental challenges. Male reported hearing Radua’s cries for help around 11 AM but did not intervene, out of fear of possible repercussions.
Just an hour later, police carried Radua’s lifeless body out of the cell. “They treated him like rubbish,” Ms. Solaila recounted, expressing that it was evident he had already passed away. The grieving family is now left with haunting questions: Where were the police during the alleged assault? Why was a mentally challenged individual placed in the same cell? And, crucially, why were Radua’s calls for help ignored?
Expressing frustration, Ms. Solaila emphasized that individuals in police custody should feel safe, questioning how such a tragedy could occur. This devastating event has ignited outrage within the community, prompting calls for significant changes at Savusavu Police Station.
Shiu Shankar Singh, the special administrator for Savusavu Town Council, voiced his concerns, stating, “For months, I’ve raised issues about police misconduct in Savusavu, but nothing has changed.” He called for immediate action to restore trust and uphold professional standards at the station.
In response to the incident, the police have confirmed that Acting Police Commissioner Juki Fong Chew has initiated an investigation by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID). The police indicated that Radua was allegedly assaulted by another detainee, and officers transported him to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission has also weighed in, with chairperson Pravesh Sharma highlighting the concerning safety protocols surrounding police custody. He stated, “The State is responsible for those held in custody,” emphasizing accountability in such situations.
Adding to the family’s grief, they are also recovering from the recent loss of their home due to a fire, making the unexpected death of their loved one even more tragic.
This incident presents an urgent need for systemic reform within the police department, aiming to prevent such tragedies in the future and ensure the safety of individuals in custody. It serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and the need for effective oversight mechanisms to protect vulnerable individuals in the justice system.
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