The Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) has initiated an internal investigation regarding the theft of a pistol from its armory at the Blackrock Peacekeeping and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Camp in Nadi, which occurred on September 25.
The missing weapon, a U.S. 9mm M9-BERETTA USA, was taken without authorization by an air-conditioning technician, Sitiveni Tavakece, from Nadi. He has since been prosecuted and sentenced to jail after pleading guilty to the theft in the Nadi Magistrate’s Court. The pistol has now been returned to the RFMF.
An RFMF spokesperson stated that individuals responsible for the security breach would face consequences, confirming that additional items were also reported missing from the camp. The spokesperson assured the public that this incident is an isolated case and that there is no substantial cause for alarm.
Home Affairs and Immigration Minister Pio Tikoduadua has also reassured the public about the security of RFMF armaments, emphasizing the importance of safety and the measures being implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future. He acknowledged the situation and expressed the intent to improve procedures to avoid a recurrence.
In a recent court ruling, Tavakece, 24, was sentenced to nine months and 19 days in jail for taking the pistol and fined $1,000. The court found him guilty of two theft counts and one count of illegal possession of a firearm, with the pistol estimated to be valued at $1,500.
The Beretta M9 is a semi-automatic pistol that has been used by the United States Armed Forces since its adoption in 1985. It features a 15-round magazine and can be used by both left and right-handed shooters.