‘Without interference’: Minister on Vakarisi murder probe

Minister for Policing and Communications Ioane Naivalurua told Parliament yesterday that an active independent investigation into the death of Jone Vakarisi is underway.

Mr Vakarisi’s death has been classified as murder, and the minister stressed that the investigation is proceeding without interference.

“A separate matter, an independent Police investigation is being conducted into the death of Mr Vakarisi without any interference,” Mr Naivalurua told Parliament while delivering his ministerial speech.

On Wednesday, May 20, Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu said his team was working on the case, with no arrests formally made.

“The investigation is being supported by RFMF Commander Ro Jone Kalouniwai,” he said.

Mr Naivalurua also shed light on the investigation relating to the late Police Constable Peniasi Racagi.

“Correspondingly, in accordance with the rules of evidence and prosecution requirements, an investigation file relating to the death of Constable Racagi has been returned to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for their necessary action,” he said.

Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions director Nancy Tikoisuva has confirmed that they have received the Police investigation file relating to the death of the late Racagi.