The Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) has initiated an internal investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the theft of a pistol from its armory at the Blackrock Peacekeeping and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Camp in Nadi on September 25.
The missing firearm, a U.S. 9mm M9 Beretta, was taken without authorization by an air-conditioning technician, Sitiveni Tavakece, who resides in Solovi, Nadi. Tavakece was subsequently charged and sentenced to jail time by the Nadi Magistrate’s Court after pleading guilty to the theft. The pistol has since been recovered and returned to the RFMF.
A spokesperson for the RFMF stated that those responsible for the security breach would be held accountable. The spokesperson acknowledged that additional items were also reported missing from the camp and assured the public that measures would be taken to prevent such incidents in the future.
Meanwhile, Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration Pio Tikoduadua assured the public that all RFMF firearms are securely stored within their armories. He expressed concern over the implications of such an incident, emphasizing that the RFMF is taking steps to ensure it doesn’t occur again. Tikoduadua affirmed the law’s actions and the court’s decision in response to this situation.
Tavakece, 24, received a sentence of nine months and 19 days for unlawfully removing the pistol. He was charged with two counts of theft and one count of illegal possession of a firearm, to which he pleaded guilty. The court found him in illegal possession of the pistol, valued at $1,500, as well as three souvenir medals belonging to the RFMF. Alongside his prison sentence, he received a $1,000 fine for his offenses.
The Beretta M9 is a semi-automatic pistol that has served as the standard-issue sidearm for the U.S. Armed Forces since its adoption in 1985. The M9 features a short recoil operation, is capable of both single and double-action firing, and accommodates a 15-round magazine with a reversible release button for ambidextrous use.