The Commissioner of Police, Rusiate Tudravu, recently shared updates on the progress of the cold cases team, which is currently reviewing 19 cases. In the first quarter of the year, the team has made significant progress on six of these cases.
One notable case that has drawn attention is a murder/suicide incident involving a couple in Seaqaqa that took place on September 24, 2023. After thorough investigation, law enforcement has determined that there was no foul play involved; the deaths were ruled as suicide and an unnatural cause. The findings have been forwarded to the Resident Magistrate in Labasa, who has recommended an inquest. The court expressed satisfaction with the investigation results, leading to the conclusion that the case file will be handled by the Director of the Criminal Investigations Department.
Additionally, the Commissioner revealed that two high-profile cases dating back to the 1990s and 2010s have progressed. The 1993 murder case of Josateki Tabaka in Nalawa, Ra, along with a 2013 case involving murder and arson in Natovora, Nadroga, are now with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Furthermore, three other cases are still under discussion with the DPP due to their complex nature. These include an alleged murder case involving a missing individual between Mana Island and Nukuni, Ono-i-Lau, reported in 2020; another murder case linked to the Lees Trading facility; and the investigation into the mysterious disappearance of a Russian couple in Nadi.
The ongoing efforts of the cold cases team and the collaboration with the legal proceedings highlight the commitment of law enforcement to resolve past cases, bringing closure to families affected by these tragedies.
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