Police probe five body discoveries in less than a month

Police are investigating the discovery of five partially decomposed bodies found in separate locations across the country in less than a month, following the latest case in Vatuwaqa early yesterday morning.

The most recent discovery involved a body found hanging from a mangrove tree along Fletcher Road, after it was spotted by a woman and her child who had entered the area to collect herbal medicine.

Police said the victim has not been identified and the case is being treated as an alleged suicide.

The discovery yesterday is the second discovery of a young male body in the Central Division in recent weeks.

On December 31, the partially decomposed body of a 15-year-old boy was found in Tamavua-i-Wai.

Elsewhere, the body of an 18-year-old girl was found at Fenner Park in Lautoka on December 6, while a 19-year-old girl was discovered in a sugarcane field in Korovuto, Nadi, also on December 31.

On Saturday, January 3, 2026, the partially decomposed body of a 40-year-old man was found in a roadside drain in Vitogo, Lautoka.

The spate of deaths has sparked public concern, with many questioning whether foul play may be involved.

Witness account

Witness Mesake Saqanivalu, 25, of Malabe, Wainibuka, Tailevu, said he and others arrived at the scene early yesterday morning and found the body already hanging among the mangroves.

“There was no skin, only bones, and the head was just a skull,” Saqanivalu said.

“A silver chain necklace was still dangling from the neck. It looked like the body had been hanging there for days.”

He said the victim appeared to be in his early 20s and may have been from the Vatuwaqa area.

Saqanivalu assisted Police in bringing the remains down after helping to clear the immediate area.

Expert insight

Experts say human bodies begin decomposing immediately after death, with environmental conditions, temperature and cause of death affecting the rate.

A local pathologist said unrefrigerated bodies can decompose at varying speeds depending on surrounding conditions.

Trauma Services, a United States-based crime scene cleaning company, notes that traumatic deaths, including those involving injuries or gunshots, can accelerate decomposition by allowing bacteria and insects to enter the body.

Witness accounts confirm that the bodies discovered in recent weeks were partially decomposed.

Police have cordoned off the area in Vatuwaqa and are continuing investigations.

Authorities are appealing to anyone with information to come forward as they work to identify the latest victim and determine the circumstances surrounding his death.

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