Police investigators who travelled overseas to take statements in a widening inquiry into social media allegations against senior officers have secured a statement from one key witness but were unable to record the testimony of another after repeated approaches, the Fiji Police Force confirmed in its latest development.
Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro said investigators were sent to Australia to interview both Alexandra Forwood and Vesito Kubunameca, who have been central to the probe triggered by posts alleging senior officers were assisting people involved in illegal activities. “Ms Forwood has provided a statement,” Naisoro said. “However, despite repeated attempts and approaches made by the investigator in Australia to meet Mr Kubunameca, he did not allow time for this to happen, and the investigator returned unable to record a statement that would have allowed the investigation to proceed.”
With Forwood’s cooperation, police said they are continuing to examine the material she provided and have thanked her for coming forward. The force did not disclose the content of her statement or the precise lines of inquiry it has opened, citing the sensitivity of an active investigation, but confirmed the matter remains under internal review.
Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu has reiterated the force’s position that those making public allegations must be prepared to support them with formal cooperation. Tudravu warned that false accusations can damage reputations and have consequences for officers and their families, and that the force would consider action where claims are found to be unsubstantiated. He also emphasised that police would not be pressured by individuals who post on social media but refuse to engage with investigators.
The inquiry follows a series of social media posts alleging senior officers were linked to illegal activity; the force launched the internal investigation after the allegations circulated widely. Tudravu has previously noted that such accusations often emerge when police increase operations against drug networks, and that senior officers can be targeted in the public discourse surrounding enforcement actions.
Police have not outlined further steps regarding attempts to obtain Kubunameca’s statement, nor indicated whether investigators will make another overseas trip or seek his testimony through formal legal channels. For now, investigators say they will proceed with analysis of the information already collected from Forwood while continuing the internal investigation into the social media allegations.
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