Family seeks answers over man’s death

The family of the late Sakiasi Ose are seeking answers from the highest levels of authority following his death.

The case could be capable of triggering serious questions about the conduct of a Fiji Police Force and Republic of Fiji Military Forces joint task force.

It was alleged that he was subjected to a brutal assault by members of a joint force comprising military personnel and Police officers after being wrongly accused of a robbery.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Elizabeth Kabuyawa claimed Ose was assaulted on April 24, after officers arrived at a relative’s home looking for him in connection with an alleged robbery.

Ms Kabuyawa said an individual she identified as an army officer initially went to Ose’s grandmother’s house seeking to question him.

“When asked whether a Police report had been lodged, the officer allegedly admitted that one had not been made, but still demanded to speak with Sakiasi,” she said.

According to Ms Kabuyawa, the group later went to another residence where Ose was asleep with his girlfriend.

“They woke him up and beat him while he was sleeping and accused him of a robbery that he did not commit,” she alleged.

She further claimed that Ose suffered severe injuries during the alleged assault and endured ongoing medical complications in the weeks that followed.

“For two weeks he suffered. He became incontinent, he could not control his bowels, he could not control his urine and he was suffering,” she said.

Ms Kabuyawa alleged that the person responsible for the robbery was later apprehended, a development she said raised further questions about why Ose had been targeted.

The family believes the injuries sustained during the alleged brutality contributed to Ose’s death.

Probe into death

Meanwhile the Fiji Police Force released a statement on Friday, stating an investigation had been directed into the death of a 30-year-old man at the Valelevu Health Centre, which was referred to Police by medical officials.

The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) is expected to head the investigation which would look into the circumstances surrounding his death.

A post mortem has also been directed to confirm the cause of death.

Initial information gathered from medical officials said the individual had presented himself at the Valelevu Health Centre on June 3, 2026 and was advised that he would need to be admitted to allow for the conduct of further medical tests.

He however signed a discharge slip and returned to his Kinoya home.

On the night of June 4, 2026, he returned to the health centre, accompanied by his family, as his condition deteriorated.

Attempts made by health officials to treat his condition were successful.

The information gathered at these initial stages of inquiries are subject to further investigation.

Claims of officers visiting the family

The investigation is also looking into claims that members of the joint task force were involved in a raid where the individual was present.

Ms Kabuyawa also raised concerns about the actions of officers who reportedly attended the hospital shortly after Ose died.

She alleged family members felt pressured regarding whether a post-mortem examination should be conducted.

“My sister-in-law was adamant that she would not sign off to decline the post-mortem. She wanted to wait for further family discussion,” Ms Kabuyawa said.

The family said additional officers later visited the family’s residence, a move they described as distressing during a period of mourning.

Ms Kabuyawa said the incident had severely damaged the family’s confidence in the institutions tasked with protecting citizens.

“Our trust and our hope are supposed to be in people who wear the uniform because they have taken an oath,” she said.

“But what they have done today has shown us that they have betrayed that oath.”

The family is now calling for a full and independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ose’s death and the allegations surrounding his treatment.

Feedback: sosiveta.korobiau@fijisun.com.fj