PENIASI Racagi’s talent and determination on the rugby field did not go unnoticed.
While playing for the Devos rugby team, he showed discipline beyond his years.
A police officer saw the Naviqiri, Bua, man’s resilience and dedication and asked him a life-changing question.
Would he consider a career in uniform?
So about four years ago, he proudly joined the Fiji Police Force.
“It was fitting for him as he was always disciplined and obedient,” said his uncle, Ari Tema.
Raised in a devout Christian home by a father who was a lay pastor, Peni was taught humility, respect, and faith — lessons he carried into his career.
Tragically, his life was cut short last weekend.
“The pain is too heavy for us,” said Mr Tema, after post-mortem results confirmed elements of foul play.
He said less than a year after burying her husband, his mother, Vinaina Veregu, is now preparing to bury her youngest child.
Constable Racagi, 24, was the youngest of three siblings, and attended school to Year 13 before joining the Devos rugby team, where a police officer encouraged him to enlist.
“He came from a good family background. His father taught his children to respect elders.”
On Saturday night Constable Racagi was on duty at Lami Police Station. The next day, his body was discovered behind the Lami Oceania Wesley Church.
Before the headlines and social media posts spread the devastating news, an officer arrived at the family home.
“We found out on Sunday when an officer came to tell his mother. Later, we saw it on social media and heard it in the news. But by then, our world had already fallen apart.”
Yesterday, Ms Veregu was too distraught to speak. She was escorted from Naviqiri to Labasa as relatives gathered to hold her through another unimaginable loss.
“He was the youngest. He was kind. He always put others before himself.
“Many young people in the village looked up to him. He had dreams that were just starting.”
Now, through tears and disbelief, the family is pleading for justice.
“We want whoever is responsible to face the full brunt of the law. We have many questions that are left unanswered. He did not deserve this.”
