Jone Vakarise death inquiry narrowed to suspects: RFMF Commander

Investigations into the death of Jone Vakarise have narrowed to suspects, says Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) Commander Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai.

Major-General Kalouniwai said the RFMF had fulfilled its role in the investigation and that the case was now entirely in the hands of the Fiji Police Force.

"They have narrowed the interviews down to the suspects. So that should be handled by Police.

"We've done all we are required to do in terms of cooperating with Police, the investigation and providing the documents they require. That has all happened. From here on, it's all Police work. It's not for us," he said.

Police spokesperson Wame Bautolu said investigations were ongoing and that an update would be provided once they were completed.

Mr Vakarise was reported dead on April 17 after being taken to Queen Elizabeth Barracks in Nabua, Suva.

He had been taken in for questioning on the night of April 16 in relation to weapons and ammunition reported missing by the RFMF.

Mr Vakarise died while in military custody. Police later classified his death as murder.

Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu said in April that Police were committed to conducting a transparent investigation into the death.