Sitiveni Qiliho, the former police commissioner currently incarcerated for abuse of office, is now facing an investigation regarding remarks he made following the 2022 General Election.
The inquiry centers on claims he presented in December 2022, which pertain to alleged instability and violence in the aftermath of the election. Assistant Commissioner of Police Crime Mesake Waqa confirmed to Fiji Sun that the examination focuses on Qiliho’s assertions, particularly concerning unverified reports of stoning incidents and vandalism.
“We confirm that there is an investigation regarding the statement issued alleging the stoning incident and vandalism,” ACP Waqa stated.
On December 21, 2022, just a week after the election, Qiliho reported that police had received unverified claims of stoning incidents, despite the callers opting not to file formal reports. He subsequently directed the Divisional Crime Officer for the North to conduct a detailed investigation into the reported vandalism in the area.
The day after, on December 22, Qiliho announced that the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) would assist the police in maintaining law and order amid rising reports of threats against minority groups following the election results.
In his statement, Qiliho expressed concerns about escalating racial tensions, indicating that an arrangement had been established for RFMF personnel to support police operations.
However, tensions rose when former Police Chief of Operations Abdul Khan resigned from his position on December 23, citing personal reasons. Reports suggest that Khan’s resignation was connected to disagreements regarding the decision to involve the RFMF in police work.
RFMF Commander Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai recently commented on the volatile situation following the 2022 elections, acknowledging the tensions that could have undermined the RFMF’s stability. He emphasized their commitment to preventing further disorder while addressing the integration of the RFMF into the situation.