Vakarisi death triggers scrutiny of past cases

Concerns have been raised over whether there were gaps in how the cases of the late Jone Vakarisi were managed as his files are formally closed following his death in military custody last week.

Mr Vakarisi, commonly known as Pei and Jah Pei by his close associates, faced multiple drug charges repeatedly over a decade.

The charges ranged from assault and criminal intimidation to abduction and drug possession.

Yet case after case, he walked free. Witnesses migrated overseas; prosecution evidence fell short, and courts granted bail even as police labelled him a lead conspirator in ongoing criminal activity.

This masthead approached Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu outside his office on Friday to ask whether there were gaps in how Vakarisi’s cases were managed or escalated over the years. He did not respond to our queries.

This masthead understands the Police would not be able to comment, as it would be a matter for the judiciary, who passes judgment and sentence.

Over a decade of court records show Vakarisi faced more than 30 charges across multiple courts, yet very few resulted in actual prison time, with most ending in acquittals, suspended sentences, or discontinuance.

His final court matter, a suspended sentence for drug possession inside the Suva Courthouse was under appeal when he died in military custody on April 17.

Police confirmed the post-mortem document was official, listing the causes of death as asphyxia, severe traumatic head injuries, and blunt force trauma.

Investigators are gathering intelligence to establish the facts and circumstances surrounding his death, with both RFMF and police leadership reconfirming their commitment to a thorough investigation.

The High Court in Suva formally closed all remaining proceedings against Vakarisi on April 20.