MORE than 60 witness statements from military officers at the Queen Elizabeth Barracks in Nabua have been recorded during the ongoing investigations into the death of Jone Vakarisi in April.
Speaking to this newspaper, Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) Commander Major General Ro Jone Kalouniwai confirmed that suspects were scheduled to be interviewed, while the Fiji Police Force’s criminal investigation remains active.
“The FPF inquiry, fully supported by the RFMF, is ongoing, with over 60 witness statements recorded and likely suspects scheduled for interviews,” he said.
Maj-Gen Kalouniwai said the RFMF had also launched its own internal inquiry.
“The RFMF has convened a Board of Inquiry, and the Fiji Police Force has launched a criminal investigation into the death of Jone Vakarisi while in military custody.”
Meanwhile, police spokesperson Ana Naisoro confirmed statements had been obtained and investigations were continuing.
Vakarisi was reported dead on April 17 after being taken to the Queen Elizabeth Barracks for questioning on the night of April 16 in connection with weapons and ammunition reported missing by the RFMF.
The RFMF said Vakarisi suffered a sudden and severe medical emergency while in custody, and that immediate life-saving efforts were carried out by qualified RFMF medical personnel on site, but he could not be revived.
However, post-mortem fexamination findings circulating online indicated that Vakarisi died from serious head and chest injuries with the report stating the cause of death as asphyxia. His death was later classified as murder.
