A heartbreaking event at the Savusavu Police Station has left a family in mourning and the local community in disbelief. Marika Radua, a farmer from Naviavia Settlement in Cakaudrove, tragically passed away on Tuesday after allegedly being assaulted by a fellow inmate.
Radua was taken into custody early that morning for an unspecified offense and remained detained for nearly six hours. His aunt, Unaisi Solaila, revealed that her cousin, Samuela Male, visited Radua and discovered him in a cell with two other men, one of whom appeared to be mentally challenged. Male recounted hearing Radua’s desperate calls for help around 11 AM but did not act out of fear of potential consequences. Tragically, an hour later, police officers removed Radua’s lifeless body from the cell.
“They treated him like rubbish,” Solaila expressed, highlighting the family’s despair. “It was clear he had already died.”
This incident has raised disturbing questions for Radua’s loved ones. They seek to know why police were not present during the alleged attack, why a mentally challenged individual was placed in the same cell as other detainees, and why Radua’s cries for help went unanswered. Solaila voiced the family’s frustration: “People are supposed to be safe in police custody. How could this happen?”
The community has reacted with outrage, demanding immediate reforms at the Savusavu Police Station. Shiu Shankar Singh, the special administrator for Savusavu Town Council, has previously reported ongoing concerns regarding police misconduct, emphasizing the urgency for changes to restore public trust and professional standards.
In response to the tragedy, the Acting Police Commissioner, Juki Fong Chew, has initiated an investigation by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID). The police confirmed reports of Radua being assaulted by another detainee and stated that officers attempted to transport him to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission has also expressed apprehension regarding the incident. Commission chairperson Pravesh Sharma indicated that this situation raises significant concerns about safety measures within police custody, noting that the State has a duty of care for those it holds.
In a poignant twist, Radua’s family is grappling with this loss while still mourning the aftermath of a recent fire that destroyed their home, compounding their grief.
This tragedy underscores critical issues within the justice system and policing procedures, highlighting the need for reform and accountability to ensure that individuals in custody are safely protected. As the community rallies for justice and answers, there is hope that this incident will lead to lasting change and improved safety protocols within police facilities.
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