The Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) has initiated an internal inquiry regarding the theft of a pistol from its armory located at the Blackrock Peacekeeping and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Camp in Nadi, which occurred on September 25.
The weapon in question, identified as a U.S. 9mm M9-BERETTA USA, was taken without authorization by air-conditioning technician Sitiveni Tavakece from Solovi, Nadi. Following his apprehension, Tavakece pleaded guilty to the theft and was sentenced to jail by the Nadi Magistrate’s Court. The pistol has since been recovered and returned to the RFMF.
An RFMF spokesperson indicated that the organization aims to hold accountable those responsible for the security lapse. They confirmed that other items were also reported missing from the camp and assured the public that this incident is isolated and does not pose a continuing threat.
Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration Pio Tikoduadua emphasized the commitment to the security of RFMF armaments, acknowledging the concerns raised by the missing firearm. He stated that necessary precautions will be implemented to prevent such occurrences in the future.
Regarding the legal proceedings, Tavakece, 24, was last Friday sentenced to nine months and 19 days in jail after being convicted of two counts of theft and one count of unlicensed possession of a firearm. He was found guilty of illegally taking the pistol, valued at $1,500, and three medals from the RFMF.
The Beretta M9, the weapon involved, is a semi-automatic pistol widely used by the U.S. Armed Forces since its adoption as the service pistol in 1985. It features a short recoil mechanism and accepts a 15-round magazine, accommodating both right and left-handed shooters.