A post-mortem examination was carried out on the farmer, Marika Radua, who died while reportedly in custody at the Savusavu Police Station. Radua, a resident of Naviavia Village in Cakaudrove, passed away on Tuesday following an alleged assault by another inmate in the cell block.
The Divisional Police Commander for Northern Fiji, Senior Superintendent of Police Kemueli Baledrokadroka, announced that the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding Radua’s death. SSP Baledrokadroka stated that further information would be shared once the investigation is complete.
The Fiji Police Force had previously communicated that Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong Chew has instructed CID officers to thoroughly investigate the incident. It was noted that police personnel rushed Radua to Savusavu Hospital, where he was declared dead upon arrival.
According to local advisory councillor Marika Sade, Radua was arrested early Tuesday morning after allegedly setting fire to a family home around 3 AM. Sade shared that Radua’s mother is experiencing severe trauma, having lost both her home and her son within the same week. She is currently staying with relatives away from the village.
There is hope that the investigation will bring clarity and justice in this unfortunate situation, providing some closure to the grieving family and the community. As the authorities work towards resolving this case, it highlights the importance of ensuring safety and appropriate conditions in custodial environments to prevent future tragedies.
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