The family of Marika Radua, a man who tragically died while in custody at the Savusavu Police Station, is seeking clarity regarding the events leading to his death. Radua, a farmer from Naviavia Village in Cakaudrove, was reportedly found unresponsive in a cell on Tuesday and was declared dead upon arrival at Savusavu Hospital.
According to his aunt, Unaisi Solaila, Radua was in good health when police officers took him from their home earlier that day. She received the distressing news of his death by 1 PM. Solaila asserts that Radua was imprisoned alongside an individual known to have mental health issues and that a relative, also detained at the police station, overheard him calling out for assistance.
Family members who visited Radua’s body at the hospital noted that wounds and blood were visible. Solaila expressed her anguish, stating that the condition of his body made it difficult to identify him. “They carried him dead to the vehicle,” she remarked, indicating the severity of the situation. The family is demanding an investigation into the circumstances of Radua’s final moments in the cell.
In response to the family’s concerns, Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong Chew has instructed the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to look into the matter. The police have expressed their intent to provide more detailed information after the investigation is completed, noting that CID will assess any criminal elements and examine the actions that led to this incident.
This case underlines the importance of accountability in law enforcement and the need for transparent investigations into custody-related deaths. As the community seeks answers, there is hope that the inquiry will shed light on the situation and lead to necessary changes that ensure the safety and well-being of individuals in custody.
In summary, a family is mourning the loss of a loved one and demanding answers following an alleged incident in police custody. With the involvement of the CID, there is the potential for a thorough examination of the circumstances, which could foster greater transparency and accountability in the future.
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