A devastating incident at the Savusavu Police Station has left a family in mourning and the community deeply unsettled. Marika Radua, a farmer from Naviavia Settlement in Cakaudrove, tragically passed away after allegedly being assaulted by a fellow inmate. His family is now demanding clarity and accountability from the authorities regarding the circumstances surrounding his death.
Radua was apprehended for an alleged offense early on Tuesday and was held for nearly six hours. According to his aunt, Unaisi Solaila, another relative named Samuela Male visited Radua that morning and discovered him in a cell with two other individuals, one of whom is believed to be mentally challenged. Male reported hearing Radua’s urgent cries for help around 11 am but refrained from intervening due to concerns about potential repercussions.
Approximately an hour later, police officers were seen carrying Radua’s body out of the cell, and it was evident, according to Ms. Solaila, that he had already passed away. She expressed her family’s anguish, saying, “They treated him like rubbish,” and emphasized the troubling questions that remain: What were the police doing during the alleged attack? Why was a mentally challenged individual placed in a cell with other detainees? And why were Radua’s cries for assistance ignored?
The tragedy has ignited community outrage, with many calling for a complete restructuring of the personnel at the Savusavu Police Station. Shiu Shankar Singh, the special administrator of Savusavu Town Council, voiced his long-standing concerns over police misconduct, noting, “For months, I’ve raised issues about police misconduct in Savusavu, but nothing has changed. This is a serious problem.”
In response to this incident, the police confirmed that Acting Police Commissioner Juki Fong Chew has initiated an investigation by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID). A police statement indicated that Radua was allegedly assaulted by another detainee, and while efforts were made to rush him to the hospital, he was pronounced dead upon arrival.
The Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission has also weighed in, with chairperson Pravesh Sharma stressing the importance of safety protocols within police custody, stating that “The State is responsible for those held in custody.”
Adding to the family’s grief is the fact that they recently lost their home in a fire, making the loss of Marika Radua all the more heartbreaking.
This incident highlights critical issues surrounding the management of detainees and the need for reform to ensure safety within police custody. As the community seeks justice for Marika Radua, there is hope that this tragedy will lead to meaningful changes that enhance the protection and treatment of individuals in police custody. It serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of accountability and the need to foster a system that prioritizes the safety and dignity of all its citizens.
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