A mother is demanding justice after her 32-year-old son allegedly died from injuries she claims were sustained during an assault involving police and military officers.
Cema Cakau said her son, Sakiasa Radravu, was accused of involvement in a robbery at the home of a military officer in Kinoya, Suva, before officers allegedly confronted him at the house where he was living with his girlfriend on April 23.
He denied any involvement in the alleged break-in but “the house was badly damaged” on the night he was confronted.
She said her son’s condition began deteriorating in the weeks that followed.
“He was not himself, and he had stopped eating properly and began losing weight,” she said.
According to Ms Cakau, family members helped him seek medical treatment on several occasions as his health worsened.
On Thursday night, relatives rushed him to the Valelevu Health Centre after he began experiencing severe pain.
“My family was told to wait because there was no spare bed.”
She also claimed the family had not received the results of a subsequent X-ray conducted on May 29.
The death has now sparked calls for a full investigation into the events leading up to Mr Radravu’s death.
Police have confirmed an investigation is underway.
The Republic of Fiji Military Forces has also acknowledged the matter and says it will fully cooperate with police investigations.
Ms Cakau said her family initially refrained from making a formal complaint while waiting for medical scan and X-ray results.
She said her son, the third of her five children, was previously involved in some robberies around the area but began to change his lifestyle.
“He was my favourite son because he was named after my father.
“I cared for him and loved him because where else will they find love.”
I feel very sad – Prime Minister
PRIME Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has extended his condolences to the family of Sakiasi Radravu, whose death is now under investigation following allegations that he was assaulted by members of a joint military and police task force.
Speaking to this newspaper, Mr Rabuka acknowledged the seriousness of the matter but said investigations were ongoing.
“I sympathise with the family,” he said.
He said the Radravu family name was familiar to him because of its connection to rugby in Suva, particularly through a well-known Kadavu rugby player.
Mr Rabuka said he had played against a member of the Radravu family during his rugby days, and this made the death even more personal for him.
“So I feel very sad that it has happened to his namesake and I send my condolences and sympathies to the family.”
Asked about public fear over the incident, Mr Rabuka said people should not be afraid.
The matter remains under investigation.
