A manhunt is underway for a cop killer on the loose, with the Fiji Police Force vowing that those responsible for the death of Constable Peniasi Racagi will face the full force of the law.
At an emotional press conference yesterday at Police Headquarters in Nasinu, Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu confirmed that post-mortem findings revealed “elements of foul play,” intensifying the investigation into the 24-year-old officer’s death.
“Firstly, I would like to acknowledge with sincere gratitude the outpour of sympathies and support towards the family of fallen police constable 8012 Peniasi Racagi and the Fiji Police Force, for the past few days,” he said.
“It has been a difficult time for us all.”
“For me to lose one of our men, diligently doing his duty, whilst he swore oath and commit his life to the service of the members of the public.
“I would like to state that we are mourning, hurting, and devastated by the tragic loss of a young officer whose promising policing career was strategically cut short. I have called this press conference to provide an update on the investigation.”
The Divisional Crime Officer Southern is leading the investigation in Lami as detectives work to reconstruct the events leading up to the constable’s death.
“Following the post-mortem examination of the late Constable Racagi the findings have established elements of foul play.”
Amid mounting speculation, Mr Tudravu urged the public to allow investigators to do their work.
“I understand that there is a lot of speculation regarding the motive. However, I plead with members of the public to trust the process of investigation and avoid spreading misinformation that will only create unnecessary panic.”
He then delivered a pointed warning, directly referencing the cop killer on the loose: “This is my message to whoever is responsible — be warned that you will face the full consequence of your unlawful act.”
Police are appealing to anyone with information about suspicious activity between Lami Town and Lami Police Station from 7pm on Saturday, February 21 to 6am on Sunday, February 22 to call 9905883.
Death ‘not linked’ to drug raid
INVESTIGATIONS into the death of police constable Peniasi Racagi have not established any connection to
drugs, Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu confirmed yesterday.
Speaking at a press conference at Police Headquarters, Mr Tudravu addressed growing speculation surrounding the circumstances of the officer’s death and calls for broader military involvement in drug operations.
“Number one, the investigation so far has not indicated any relationship between the death and drugs. We are keeping an open mind on that,” he said.
Addressing allegations that police officers had received threats following recent drug raids, Mr Tudravu
confirmed enforcement activity in the Delainavesi area.
“I can confirm that we have conducted raids up in Delainavesi. There were three homes that were raided for drugs.”
However, he said no formal complaints had been lodged by officers in Lami regarding threats.
“We did not receive any formal complaints against our police officers at Lami in regard to that.”
Mr Tudravu also confirmed that the late Constable Racagi had participated in the Delainavesi operation, but stressed there was no evidence linking the raid to his death.
“I can confirm that the late Peni was also involved in the raid. But there was nothing, a correlation in regard to the death and what happened in Delainavesi.”
He also responded to questions about whether the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) should take a more direct role in drug-related operations.
“Number two, the involvement of RFMF. We are the frontline law enforcement agency.
“We conduct investigations and we are mandated by law to do that.”
He added that cooperation between the police and the RFMF was already ongoing.
“Our relationship and our working together with RFMF are already an ongoing exercise that we have
undertaken.”
“I will discuss with the commander on the joint operations that we are doing so far and in future.”
Police say investigations remain ongoing.
Tudravu: We only enforce liquor laws
THE Government is responsible for approving liquor trading hours —not the police.
That was the blunt message from Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu as concerns mount over rising public drunkenness, day drinking and related criminal activity in Lami.
Responding to complaints from residents and business owners, Mr Tudravu made it clear that licensing decisions fall under other authorities.
“We have departments that look after the approval of this licence,” he said.
“We just enforce the law. It’s coming out very loud and clear. I hope that portfolios in different government
departments that look after this take responsibility for the approval of all these things that are coming in.”
Residents have called for earlier closing hours for liquor outlets, arguing that extended trading hours is fuelling public intoxication, drug use and disorderly behaviour.
Community frustration has intensified following the discovery of the body of police officer Peniasi Racagi, with some linking growing lawlessness to the easy availability of alcohol.
Over the years, several communities across the country have been calling for a review of licensing approvals, as concerns grow over the social impact of easy access, long liquor trading hours and escalating public nuisance.
