A post-mortem examination was carried out on the farmer who died while in custody at the Savusavu Police Station on Thursday. Marika Radua, hailing from Naviavia Village in Cakaudrove, passed away on Tuesday after reportedly being assaulted by another inmate within the police cell block.
The Divisional Police Commander for the North, Senior Superintendent of Police Kemueli Baledrokadroka, announced that a team from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has been assigned to investigate the circumstances surrounding Radua’s death. “Once CID officers complete their work, we will issue another statement,” said SSP Baledrokadroka.
In a statement released by the Fiji Police Force on Wednesday, it was confirmed that Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong Chew had instructed CID officers to investigate the situation thoroughly. The police responded quickly to the incident, transporting Radua to the Savusavu Hospital, where he was unfortunately pronounced dead upon arrival.
Marika Sade, an advisory councillor from Naviavia Village, disclosed that Radua was arrested around 6 a.m. on Tuesday, following an incident where he allegedly set a family house on fire earlier that same morning around 3 a.m. “The deceased’s mother is in trauma since she lost both her house and her son within the same week,” Mr. Sade noted, explaining that she is currently staying with a relative outside the village for support.
This tragic incident shines a light on the serious issues of mental health and the support systems available to those in distressing situations. As investigations continue, it is hoped that appropriate measures will be implemented to prevent such occurrences in the future, ensuring that those in custody receive the care and protection they need.
Summary: A post-mortem was conducted on Marika Radua, a farmer who died in custody after an alleged prison assault. An investigation is underway by the CID, with concerns raised about the health of Radua’s mother following the distressing events. The community is now looking for changes to prevent future tragedies.
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