Minister demands full investigation into Police officer’s death in Labasa

Minister for Transport Ro Filipe Tuisawau has asked Land Transport Authority (LTA) chief executive officer Irimaia Rokosawa to conduct a full investigation into an alleged fatal accident involving a police officer that caused his death last Saturday in Labasa.

Mr Tuisawau said he is now waiting for the report from the CEO.

“It pains me to learn of what happened to the officers concerned, and I convey my sincere condolences to the family,” Mr Tuisawau said.

“Officers go out of their way to serve the nation, and it’s a sad occasion for all of us.”

He said he is also waiting to receive the Fiji Police Force investigation report on this accident.

Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro confirmed yesterday that their director Traffic, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Mitieli Divuana, was travelling to Labasa to look into the investigation surrounding the accident.

Update from LTA

Mr Rokosawa, in a press statement, said LTA acknowledges public concerns raised and extends its deepest sympathies to the family, colleagues, and loved ones of the late police officer Dharmesh Krishna, who lost his life while serving the public.

However, he said several of the allegations circulating in public forums were incorrect and contradict the preliminary findings of both the Fiji Police Force and the LTA’s internal review.

He explained that the checkpoint erected along Naseakula Road in Labasa was equipped with standard-issue road cones, warning battens, and positioned along a section of road with clear markings and adequate visibility.

He further stated that street lighting in the area was operational on the night in question, contradicting claims of poor lighting.

He said the allegations that the checkpoint lacked proper warning signs or used incorrect cones were not supported by the evidence.

“The post-collision technical assessment further confirms that the truck had no mechanical defects and that the incident resulted from the driver’s alleged failure to stop when directed to by an authorised officer, which is particularly concerning given the wet weather conditions and the vehicle being loaded with sugarcane,” Mr Rokosawa said.

“These findings point to driver negligence and a disregard for road safety.”

He confirmed that LTA’s joint operations with the Fiji Police Force are not limited to detecting defective vehicles.

“They are part of ongoing efforts to address the growing number of road fatalities caused by speeding, inattentiveness, impaired driving, and other high-risk behaviours, which have now led to fatalities reaching 72 as of November 28, compared to 56 for the same period last year,” he said.

“It is therefore unfortunate and misleading to shift blame onto officers who were performing their duties to keep all road users safe.”

He said while LTA understands that misinformation and assumptions can circulate quickly in moments of public distress, it urges the public to rely on verified information as authorities complete their full investigation.