A heartbreaking incident at the Savusavu Police Station has left a family devastated and the local community in deep mourning. Marika Radua, a farmer from Naviavia Settlement in Cakaudrove, reportedly died on Tuesday after being assaulted by a fellow inmate.
The tragedy unfolded after Radua was taken into custody for an alleged offense and remained in confinement for approximately six hours. His aunt, Unaisi Solaila, revealed that a relative, Samuela Male, visited him and discovered Radua sharing a cell with two other men, one of whom is believed to be mentally ill. Male recounted hearing Radua’s anguished cries for help around 11 a.m., but he was too afraid to act.
Shortly afterward, police officers removed Radua’s motionless body from the cell, with Solaila expressing despair over the circumstances. She shared an emotional statement, questioning the police’s oversight during the incident and the presence of a mentally challenged individual in the same cell as other detainees. “People are supposed to be safe in police custody. How could this happen?” she asked.
The death has ignited community outrage, prompting demands for a thorough examination of the personnel at Savusavu Police Station. Shiu Shankar Singh, the special administrator for Savusavu Town Council, has called attention to ongoing concerns about police conduct, insisting that immediate steps need to be taken to restore community trust and uphold professional standards.
The police have announced that Acting Police Commissioner Juki Fong Chew has ordered an investigation by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID). They confirmed that Radua had been assaulted by another detainee and was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
In light of the tragedy, the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission has raised alarms regarding safety practices in police custody. Commission chairperson Pravesh Sharma emphasized the state’s duty to ensure the safety of individuals in detention.
Adding to the family’s grief, they are still grappling with the loss of their home due to a recent fire, making this situation all the more tragic.
This incident serves as a critical reminder of the urgent need for reforms in law enforcement and the safeguarding of individuals in custody. As the investigation unfolds, it presents an opportunity for systemic changes to enhance accountability and prevent similar occurrences in the future. The community’s unified call for justice may spark a broader dialogue on police conduct and the protection of human rights.
While the family’s pain is palpable, their quest for answers can pave the way for meaningful change, promoting a safer and more just society for all.
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