Fiji Police Launch Murder Probe Into Death of Jone Vakarisi in Military Custody

Fiji police have confirmed a murder investigation is underway into the death of a man who died while in military custody, according to a statement released on April 5, 2025.

The deceased has been identified as Jone Vakarisi, a 32-year-old civilian who was detained by the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) following an alleged drug-related incident in the Nasinu area on March 28, 2025. Police said Vakarisi was found unresponsive in a holding cell at the RFMF’s Queen Elizabeth Barracks on the morning of March 29 and was pronounced dead upon arrival at Colonial War Memorial Hospital.

Initial reports from prison authorities indicated Vakarisi had suffered a medical episode, but forensic pathology results released by the Fiji Ministry of Health on April 3 confirmed traumatic injuries consistent with assault, prompting police to reclassify the case as a homicide.

The Fiji Police Force said investigators have secured CCTV footage from the barracks, interviewed military personnel on duty at the time of Vakarisi’s detention, and collected forensic samples from the cell. A post-mortem examination conducted by government pathologists revealed multiple contusions to the head and torso, with no evidence of pre-existing conditions that could have explained the sudden deterioration in health.

In response to the findings, the RFMF issued a statement on April 4 acknowledging the death and stating it had launched an internal review of procedures at the detention facility. Commander Viliame Gavoka said the force remains committed to transparency and cooperation with civilian authorities, adding that any personnel found to have violated protocols would face disciplinary action under military law.

The Chief Justice of Fiji, Justice Izua V relative to the case, had previously dismissed a separate drug charge against Vakarisi on March 31 due to insufficient evidence, a ruling that was later cited by defense lawyers as undermining the legitimacy of his initial detention. However, judicial officials clarified that the dismissal of the drug case did not influence the criminal investigation into his death, which is being handled independently by the police.

Civil society groups, including the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission, have called for an independent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Vakarisi’s death, citing concerns over the use of military detention for civilian matters and the lack of public oversight of RFMF holding facilities. The Commission said it has requested access to detention logs and medical records but has not yet received a formal response from the military.

The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Suva confirmed it is monitoring the situation and has offered technical assistance to Fiji’s Independent Commission Against Corruption should a broader inquiry be initiated. No formal request for such assistance has been made as of April 6.

The Director of Public Prosecutions has not yet filed charges in the case, pending the completion of toxicology reports and witness statements. Police said they expect to conclude their initial investigation by mid-April and will submit findings to the DPP for review.

Vakarisi’s family, represented by legal counsel from the Fiji Legal Aid Commission, has demanded the release of all investigative materials and called for the suspension of all officers involved in his detention pending the outcome of the probe. They have declined to speak publicly beyond a brief statement released through their lawyers on April 5, which said they are seeking justice and clarity on what occurred in the hours before his death.

The RFMF has not released the names of any personnel under investigation, citing ongoing operational and legal considerations. Military officials reiterated that internal processes are being followed and that no conclusions will be drawn until the police investigation is complete.