Police still yet to charge suspects in Vakarise probe
Police had classified his death as murder.
Tuesday 25 August 2026 | 07:30
One hundred and thirty days since the alleged brutal death of Jone Vakarise in military custody, Police have yet to charge a suspect as investigation continues.
Vakarise died on April 17 after he was taken by soldiers to the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) headquarters in Suva on the night of April 16.
He was taken there for questioning over weapons and ammunition reported missing by the RFMF.
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Police had classified his death as murder.
RFMF Commander Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai said in June that the investigation had been narrowed down to suspects and was entirely in the hands of police investigating the case.
Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu told this masthead last month that the case file would be forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for legal advice once the interview process was completed.
Over the weekend, Police confirmed that three more people had been questioned in connection with Vakarise’s death.
“Three others were questioned as investigations continue into the death of Jone Vakarise,” Assistant Commissioner of Police Crime Loraini Seru said.
Police did not clarify whether the three were members of the RFMF.
Minister for Policing Ioane Naivalurua said he would seek an update from Mr Tudravu this week.
“I know the investigation is progressing. I intend to do that on or before Wednesday when I meet the acting commissioner or when the commissioner comes back. They will update me on the progress of the investigation,” he said.
Asked whether he was concerned that the case remained at the investigation stage four months after Vakarise’s death, Naivalurua said: “It is in the hands of Police. I cannot divulge anything until I get the full briefing from the commissioner.”
Tudravu had previously said the public would be informed of the outcome once the investigation was completed.
Meanwhile, ACP Seru confirmed that the investigation file into the death of Police Constable Peniasi Racagi remained with the DPP.
