Police admit failures after Racagi case withdrawn

Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu has accepted full responsibility for delays by the Fiji Police Force in submitting key documents to prosecutors, which led to the withdrawal of charges against two men accused in relation to the death of Police Constable Peniasi Racagi.

The development follows a briefing by Director of Public Prosecutions Nancy Tikoisuva to Commissioner Tudravu outlining the reasons behind the decision to discontinue the case on Friday, May 22, 2026.

Commissioner Tudravu met Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and Minister for Policing Ioane Naivalurua this morning for a brief on the matter.

In a statement, Mr Tudravu acknowledged that delays in submitting supporting documents to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions contributed to the case being withdrawn.

He said immediate internal measures had already been initiated to identify procedural shortcomings in the handling of the matter.

Commissioner Tudravu also confirmed that disciplinary action had been directed against those responsible for the delayed submissions.

Police said pending investigation reports and relevant expert findings would be resubmitted, along with the investigation file into the alleged involvement of police officers, to allow the ODPP to review all evidence before independent legal advice is issued.

“The Fiji Police Force respects the judicial process and decisions made in a court of law, and will ensure full compliance of legal processes, to avoid causing unnecessary trauma to the families involved,” the statement said.

Commissioner Tudravu reiterated that investigations were continuing and assured the family of the late PC Peniasi Racagi and members of the public that justice would be pursued.

“The Commissioner of Police reiterates that justice will prevail, assuring the late PC Peniasi Racagi’s family and members of the public, that the perpetrator(s) will be brought to justice.”