Police classify death of teen girl in Lautoka as murder

The Fiji Police Force has classified the death of 18-year-old Venina Cirikeba Cava as murder.

Her body was found last Friday evening at a park near Aspen Medical-managed Lautoka Hospital and identified by a relative.

Cava’s aunt, Cokolaca Taqiri, described her niece’s death as shocking. She said Cava had gone to live with another relative at Rifle Range, Lautoka, two weeks before her death.

Her father had come a week ago to take her back to their village.

"She was living with her parents in the village, and when she came to Lautoka, she stayed with me to continue school and find a job," Ms Taqiri said.

"Two weeks before the incident, she went to live with her uncle. We were shocked when we heard what had happened to her. It is painful that such a young life has been taken."

Cava was originally from Naila Village in Tailevu and attended Bau Central College in Nausori.

Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro said officers are reviewing CCTV footage as part of the investigation.

"The case was classified as murder after a post-mortem examination. Investigation is ongoing, and police are reviewing CCTV footage around the area. No arrests have been made at this stage," she said.