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Illustration of Family Demands Answers after Tragic Death in Police Cell

Tragedy Strikes (Again): Family Demands Answers After Police Custody Death

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A heartbreaking event at Savusavu Police Station has deeply affected a family and the surrounding community. Marika Radua, a farmer from Naviavia Settlement in Cakaudrove, tragically passed away on Tuesday after reportedly being assaulted by a fellow inmate.

Radua had been detained early that morning for an alleged offense and was held in custody for nearly six hours. His aunt, Unaisi Solaila, recounted that her cousin Samuela Male visited Radua and discovered him in a cell with two other men, one of whom is believed to be mentally challenged. Male claims he heard Radua calling for help around 11 a.m. but felt unable to intervene for fear of repercussions. Tragically, he found out an hour later that Radua had died.

Solaila expressed her anguish, stating, “They treated him like rubbish,” noting that Radua appeared lifeless when officers carried him out. The family is now left with disturbing questions about the police’s response during the alleged incident and the decision to house a mentally challenged individual with other inmates. “People are supposed to be safe in police custody. How could this happen?” Solaila emphasized, reflecting the family’s frustrations.

The incident has sparked significant outrage in the community, with many calling for changes at the Savusavu Police Station. Shiu Shankar Singh, the special administrator of Savusavu Town Council, has been vocal about ongoing issues of police misconduct in the area and is urging immediate reforms to restore public confidence in law enforcement.

In response to the incident, police confirmed that Acting Police Commissioner Juki Fong Chew has initiated an investigation by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID). The police stated that Radua was allegedly assaulted by another detainee and that officers acted quickly to get him to the hospital, where he was ultimately pronounced dead.

The Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission has also raised concerns, with chairperson Pravesh Sharma highlighting the state’s responsibility for the safety of detainees. The tragedy becomes more poignant as Radua’s family is still copinG with the loss of their home in a recent fire, now facing the additional grief of losing a beloved family member under such harrowing circumstances.

This incident serves as an urgent call for reforms within law enforcement and highlights the need for improved safety protocols in detention facilities. It is a critical moment for the community to come together and advocate for change, with the hope that this tragedy can lead to enhanced accountability and protection for vulnerable individuals.


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