It’s reassuring to note the call by Police Commissioner Brigadier-General Sitiveni Qiliho to expedite internal investigations into the death of 26-year-old Kiuva villager Josua Lalauvaki, who was allegedly assaulted by Police officers.

Josua was the vice-captain of the Rewa Rugby Union side. In fact, he was a key player in their campaign during the Skipper Cup competition.

Like most young and upcoming ruggers, Josua had the talent and attributes that would enable him to one day, don the national jersey.

On September 2, 2018, he was allegedly assaulted while Police were attending to a report of a disturbance outside a nightclub in Suva.

Because of the injuries he sustained, Josua was taken to the Colonial War Memorial Hospital and was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit.

He died on Thursday morning.

Since his passing, friends and family have taken to social media to share their hurt in the hope that justice will be served for those responsible for Josua’s death.

After the initial report of the alleged assault in September, Brigadier-General Qiliho had taken a pro-active stance.
He issued a directive for a team from the Internal Affairs Unit to investigate the allegations.

Yesterday he directed the case be taken over by the Director CID and his team.

Police officers have been taken to court before in similar cases before and convicted.

A thorough investigation, as promised by the Police Commissioner, is anticipated.

What were the circumstances surrounding Josua’s death?

Assaults on members of the public or Police officers for that matter are unacceptable.

The Fiji Police Force has no place for officers who abuse their authority, as explicitly stated by Commissioner
Qiliho.

May Josua’s soul rest in peace and may those responsible for his death be brought to justice.

Feedback: rosi.doviverata@fijisun.com.fj