For the first time since allegations sparked in, Smart Security Services has broken the silence on why they had not made any FNPF contributions for the late Rupeni Savubale.

Mr Savubale, 46 years, had collapsed and died while on duty at the Tebara Plaza in Nakasi earlier this month.

His wife Ulamila Ranadi later found out that he did not have any FNPF contributions despite deductions being made while he was employed at Smart Security Services.

Director of Smart Security Services, Halitesh Pratap said the company had pressured Mr Savubale to get his FNPF account done while he was still working for them.

“He worked here for about three months, he later resigned and joined another organisation,” Mr Pratap said.

“Deductions were made but we were waiting for him to give his FNPF account number.

“Prior to joining us, he had been employed at another organisation for five years, so why were FNPF deductions not being done then?”

Smart Security Services has paid $700 to Mr Savubale’s family.

“His FNPF deductions for three months were a little over $200,” he said. “But we made a decision to help the family out.”

Mr Pratap said he had also decided to support the family with $100 a week for a year.

FNPF is currently investigating the issue.

Meanwhile, no formal complaints have been lodged with the Fiji Medical and Dental Secretariat against Dr Monita Sharma who despite being at the Tebara Plaza at the time of the incident, did not attend to Mr Savubale.

Dr Sharma had defended her actions amid criticism from the public, but since no formal complaints were lodged by Mr Savubale’s family, there has been no investigation in this regard.

Read More:

• Widow Told, No Funds In Late Husband’s FNPF Account
• Keep Checking Contributions, Workers Urged
• Doctor Defends Actions As Security Guard Dies Metres From Her Medical Centre

Edited by Susana Tuilau

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