CID Probes Alleged Dakuni Assault Case After Police Brutality During Drug Raid
The Fiji Police Force’s Central Investigation Division is probing an alleged assault involving a Dakuni individual, while authorities investigate the death of a Beqa man following a drug raid, according to FBC News and Fijivillage.
The CID’s investigation into the Dakuni case was confirmed by FBC News, which cited an internal police source. The report states the probe focuses on allegations of physical harm reported by a Dakuni resident in late May. No formal charges have been filed, and the CID has not publicly commented on the matter, according to the outlet.
A separate investigation is underway into the death of a 34-year-old Beqa man, described by Fijivillage as a “local community figure,” following a drug enforcement operation in Namosi District. The police have stated the man was injured during a confrontation with officers executing a warrant at a suspected drug distribution site. A preliminary report from the Fiji Police Service notes the man was taken to a hospital but later died from undisclosed injuries.
Both cases have drawn attention due to the sensitivity of the locations involved. The Dakuni community, historically marginalized, has previously raised concerns about law enforcement practices, according to local advocacy groups. Meanwhile, the Beqa man’s death has sparked calls for transparency from opposition lawmakers, who have demanded a review of police protocols during drug raids.
The Fiji Police Service confirmed in a statement that both incidents are under active investigation. “We are cooperating fully with all relevant authorities to ensure a thorough and impartial examination of the facts,” the statement read. No timeline for conclusions has been provided.
Legal experts in Fiji have noted that assault and police misconduct cases often face prolonged processing due to resource constraints. A 2022 government audit highlighted delays in criminal investigations, with 40% of cases taking over 12 months to reach trial, according to the Fiji Institute of Public Policy.
Community leaders in Namosi have organized a meeting to discuss the Beqa man’s death, with plans to present concerns to the National Council of Indigenous Leaders. Meanwhile, the Dakuni community awaits further updates from the CID, which has not issued a public timeline for the assault investigation.