“I am angry.” That was the blunt and emotional response from Minister for Policing Ioane Naivalurua following the discovery of the body of Police Constable Peniasi Racagi, found floating at sea on Sunday.
Mr Naivalurua said emotions are running high within the Fiji Police Force as it grapples with the loss of a young frontline officer.
“If you ask me as the minister responsible, how do I feel? I’m very angry, you know? I’m so saddened. But I cannot allow the emotions, my emotions, to overcome what we need to do,” he said.
The minister issued a stern warning to those responsible.
“We’ve lost the life of a young man, PC Peniasi, in the line of duty at the front line. But let me make it absolutely clear — to those that were responsible, you’ve crossed the line. And the full brunt of the law will come down hard on you.
“We will leave no stone unturned to find out who was responsible for the death of PC Peniasi.”
At the same time, he urged the public to refrain from speculation as investigations continue.
“I think we should be very careful that we do not confuse the investigation with a lot of commentaries. Speculation, I may call it — we should be very careful. Let the investigation take its own course.”
Mr Naivalurua also called for respect for the grieving family and the force in mourning. “A life has been lost. We need to respect his family… we are also mourning a young life that has been lost.” As investigations intensify, the message from Government is clear — justice will be pursued.
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