A tragic event at the Savusavu Police Station has left a family devastated and the local community in mourning. Marika Radua, a farmer from Naviavia Settlement in Cakaudrove, lost his life on Tuesday after reportedly being attacked by a fellow inmate.
Radua was detained early Tuesday for an alleged offense and held for nearly six hours. His aunt, Unaisi Solaila, shared that her cousin Samuela Male had visited Radua that morning and saw him in a cell with two other individuals, one of whom is believed to be mentally challenged. Male recounted hearing Radua’s desperate cries for help around 11 am but, fearing possible consequences, did not intervene. Shortly thereafter, police officers carried Radua’s lifeless body out of the cell.
Solaila expressed her anguish, saying, “They treated him like rubbish,” noting the signs that Radua was already dead upon their arrival. The family is left with painful questions: What were the police doing during the alleged assault? Why was a mentally challenged individual placed in a cell with other prisoners? And why did Radua’s cries for help go unanswered?
With a sense of frustration, Solaila lamented, “People are supposed to be safe in police custody. How could this happen?” The incident has ignited community outcry, with demands for immediate changes in personnel at the Savusavu Police Station.
Shiu Shankar Singh, the special administrator for Savusavu Town Council, has highlighted ongoing concerns regarding police misconduct, stating, “For months, I’ve raised issues about police misconduct in Savusavu, but nothing has changed. This is a serious problem.” He called for swift action to restore trust and uphold professional standards at the police station.
In response to the tragedy, the police confirmed that Acting Police Commissioner Juki Fong Chew has initiated an investigation by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID). According to a police statement, Radua was allegedly assaulted by another detainee and, although the officers did their best to rush him to the hospital, he was pronounced dead upon arrival.
The Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission has also articulated its concerns regarding this incident. Commission chairperson Pravesh Sharma remarked, “This incident raises critical questions about safety protocols within police custody. The State is responsible for those held in custody.”
Adding to the family’s heartache is the recent loss of their home in a fire, making this tragedy even more profound as they grapple with the loss of a loved one under such dire circumstances.
This distressing event calls attention to the need for significant improvements in the treatment of detainees, as well as the protocols in place to ensure their safety while in custody. The community’s calls for accountability could lead to meaningful reforms that prioritize the wellbeing of individuals under police care.
In summary, while the loss faced by Radua’s family is unfathomable, this incident highlights the importance of ensuring the safety and rights of those in custody, underscoring a collective desire for accountability and change within the police system.
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