Fourth body found in Fiji as police probe deepens safety concerns

The recent discovery of a fourth body in Fiji has intensified public apprehension regarding safety and crime in the region. Police confirmed that the body of a man was found near Fletcher Road in Vatuwaqa, Suva, just yesterday. This grim find occurred in the mangroves close to the Vatuwaqa bridge, where the man’s remains were partially obscured in a swampy area just meters from a busy roadway.

Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the man’s death, and his identity has yet to be established. Local entrepreneur Merewalesi Seruvatu, who runs a fresh fish kiosk near the bridge, reported that the body was uncovered by youths from a neighboring settlement who were foraging for ‘jiji’, a traditional herbal remedy often used for children. Upon seeing the body, one of the young people quickly alerted Ms. Seruvatu, who then contacted the police.

Ms. Seruvatu mentioned that she has been living and working in the area for around a year and has never encountered a similar incident. Interestingly, residents in proximity to the mangroves had recently complained about an unusual odor in the vicinity, which they had attributed to the swamp’s natural scent. It appears the body may have been there for some time, raising further concerns among the local community.

Following the discovery, police released a statement indicating that forensic officers were dispatched to the scene due to an alleged suicide on Fletcher Road. However, they have not provided specific details regarding the number of missing persons reports filed since December 2025, nor have they clarified how many bodies have been found within this timeframe or if there is any connection between these cases. Police spokeswoman Ana Naisoro requested more time to compile the necessary information.

This latest incident follows the discovery in 2023 of another body in the waters of the same area, further casting a shadow over community safety and prompting numerous questions from the public. The police continue to investigate the matter diligently, seeking to establish the facts and underlying issues surrounding these unsettling findings.