Police tighten station cell monitoring after alleged rape in custody

Police have tightened monitoring and detention procedures following an alleged rape inside a holding cell at Totogo Police Station.

Divisional Police Commander, Central Superintendent of Police (SP) Luke Cerenasiga  said reforms introduced earlier this year are now being reinforced, with a stronger focus on accountability and human rights in custody.

The move follows confirmation from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions that a 42-year-old man has been charged with the rape of a 25-year-old man inside the Suva station. The victim and the accused were cellmates.

Mr Cerenasiga acknowledged the seriousness of the incident.

He said it should not have happened, stressing that clear policies already exist for the care and supervision of detainees.

Under police protocols, reemandees must be checked every hour, while vulnerable detainees — including those with mental health concerns — require monitoring every 30 minutes. Juveniles must be checked every 15 minutes, with similar attention given to female detainees.

“We have tightened up all security gaps around this premises,” Mr Cerenasiga said.

He said improved oversight and discipline among officers were critical to restoring public trust.

Mr Cerenasiga emphasised that all individuals in custody must be treated with dignity.

“Every prisoner brought in must be treated as human,” he said.

“They may have broken the law, but justice is for the courts to decide.”

He said police would focus on proper procedures to ensure suspects are processed and handed over to the judicial system without mistreatment.

The incident has raised broader concerns about custodial safety and police conduct, prompting calls for stricter enforcement of detention standards across the Central Division.