Commander cancels trip to assist probe; PM sends condolences

Republic of Fiji Military Forces Commander Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai has cancelled his trip to Indonesia to assist with Police investigations into the events leading to the death of Jone Vakarisi. 

In an exclusive interview yesterday, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said he had confidence and trusted the military and police to conduct fair and just investigations.

Mr Vakarisi died in military custody last week. He and his group had made attempts to break into the military's magazine along Cunnigham Road. 

Mr Vakarisi's family is calling for a full and transparent investigation. 

The Prime Minister also sent his condolences to the family and relatives of Mr Vakarisi.  

“My condolences to them. They had been part of the community of the Queen Elizabeth Barracks and surrounding areas, and we have probably gone to church while this chap was a young boy in Mead Road, and I was a preacher in the Nabua circuit. So, I send my condolences.”