Minister Naivalurua vows justice for fallen Police officer

The Government will hunt down those responsible for the death of Police Constable Peniasi Racagi, and justice will be served.

This was the unequivocal message from Minister for Policing and Communications Ioane Naivalurua today, as Fiji mourned the loss of the 24-year-old officer found dead near a Lami beach on Sunday.

“We’ve lost the life of a young man, P.C. Peniasi, here in the line of duty, at the front line,” Mr Naivalurua said.

“Let me make it absolutely clear to those that were responsible — you have crossed the line, and the full brunt of the law will come down hard on you.”

He urged the public not to speculate about the circumstances surrounding the officer’s death, saying the investigation must be allowed to run its course.

“Let the people whose job it is to investigate, investigate,” he said. “I’m very angry. I’m so saddened. But I cannot allow my emotions to overcome what we need to do.”

Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu confirmed a post-mortem had been conducted, with findings to be submitted to the investigating team led by the Divisional Crime Officer Southern.

Initial findings at the scene suggested a struggle. A button believed to be from Constable Racagi’s uniform was recovered, while his vest, beret and badge were reported missing.

His family had been preparing for his late father’s 100-night memorial when they received the news.

The Commissioner also dismissed online claims that a second officer was missing, confirming the officer had reported for duty on Sunday night.

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