Remandee dies after alleged hot-water attack at Suva prison

A 29-year-old remand prisoner has died after allegedly being scalded with hot water by another inmate at the Suva Remand Centre.

George David Komainaua suffered serious burns on October 24 after another remandee allegedly poured hot water over him while they were preparing dinner.

The Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) confirmed in a statement today that Komainaua died from sepsis on October 31, a week after the incident.

He received immediate medical attention following the alleged attack before being transferred to the Colonial War Memorial Hospital for further treatment.

The matter has been referred to the Fiji Police Force, while the FCS has established an internal Board of Inquiry to investigate the incident.

Police investigations are continuing.

Second inmate dies in Lautoka

In a separate incident, the FCS confirmed the death of 39-year-old convicted prisoner Inia Naqia at the Lautoka Corrections Centre.

Naqia experienced a medical emergency on November 7 while accommodated at the centre's infirmary.

According to the FCS, he had an existing medical condition affecting his brain and had previously received hospital treatment.

The service said Naqia had subsequently refused to undergo an MRI scan.

A duty nurse provided emergency medical assistance before he was transferred to Aspen Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at approximately 10.52am.

The official cause of death has not been confirmed.

The FCS said Naqia's family had refused an autopsy.

Investigations underway

Acting Commissioner of Corrections Auta Moceisuva extended his condolences to the families of both deceased inmates.

The FCS said the safety and welfare of inmates remained a priority.

It confirmed that both deaths were being investigated and that appropriate action would be taken based on the findings.

Full investigation reports will be submitted to the relevant authorities once the inquiries are completed.