The death of 32-year-old Sakiasi Ose Radravu has been linked to a pre-existing medical condition, according to findings from a post-mortem examination conducted on Saturday, as police continue investigations into the conduct of officers involved in his arrest and detention.
In a statement, police said immediate family members were present for Mr Radravu’s formal identification before the post-mortem and were later briefed on the findings.
Police confirmed that the man had been taken into custody by officers from Valelevu Police Station on the night of April 23 in relation to an alleged burglary case.
He was questioned, held in custody and later released.
Police also stated that they had confirmed with Mr Radravu’s family that no official complaint alleging assault was lodged following his arrest.
Mr Radravu’s died on Thursday and his family susquently alleged that his death resulted from injuries sustained during an alleged assault involving members of a joint police-military taskforce in late April.
In the interest of transparency, police said the investigation file would be forwarded to the resident magistrate together with the post-mortem findings and recommendations for a possible inquest.
At the same time police would continue an internal investigation into the actions of the 12 officers involved in the raid and the handling of the burglary investigation.
A directive has also been issued to investigate the officers involved in Mr Radravu’s arrest and detention, as well as concerns over a lack of supervisory oversight.
Police acknowledged that non-compliance with due process continued to contribute to complaints against the organisation and said stricter oversight measures would be enforced through the Internal Affairs Unit, with disciplinary action to be taken where necessary.
