Mother still waiting for son’s body after three months

“Every morning I wake up, I wish his body could be released.”

These are the words of Wakolo Kadavaki, the grieving mother of 14-year-old Uate Samisoni Keni, whose body has remained at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital mortuary in Suva for four months, awaiting Police clearance.

Uate’s body was found in Tamavua-i-Wai on December 30, 2025. It was badly decomposed when discovered.

For his family, the wait has been painful and confusing.

“As of now, Police said the DNA test does not match with the child’s DNA,” Ms Kadavaki said yesterday.

She said the results had deepened her grief, as rumours began to spread, including claims that her son may have been switched at birth or adopted from the hospital.

She strongly denied those claims.

“I gave birth to my child,” she said.

Ms Kadavaki recalled the last time she saw her son. Uate had told her he was going to play with friends. She later learned they had gone into town.

“Days passed, and he never returned,” she said.

The family searched desperately before receiving the news no parent wants to hear—that his body had been found.

In response, the Fiji Police Force said investigations are ongoing.

Acting Deputy Police Commissioner Mesake Waqa confirmed initial DNA analysis had been completed, but further steps were required before the body could be released.

“The FPF Forensic Science Division has completed the DNA analysis of the samples obtained during the initial stages of the investigation,” ADPC Waqa said.

“Investigators have been tasked to conduct further inquiries with the parents of the victim to confirm their relationship.

“This is to ensure proper identification through a positive DNA match with the biological parents.”

He said once the identity is confirmed, the post-mortem report will be released.

For now, the family remains in limbo—caught between grief, uncertainty and the hope of finally laying their son to rest.