THE investigation into the death of Police Constable Peniasi Racagi is being delayed because Fiji lacks the forensic equipment needed to conduct advanced post-mortem analysis locally.
Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu yesterday said the shortage has forced authorities to send post-mortem samples and specimens to laboratories in New Zealand, extending the time needed to progress investigations.
Mr Tudravu said police were waiting for the results of forensic testing from New Zealand before they could move forward with the case.
“We need the equipments in order for us to do our job well,” Mr Tudravu said.
“If we cannot be provided that, then all these things will be prolonged.”
He said Fiji would continue relying on overseas laboratories until the necessary forensic equipment was available locally.
Mr Tudravu said the expected turnaround time for the results was three weeks, although the process could take longer if other issues arose.
“I plead and urge the relatives, the victims to bear with us on that. It is out of our control and we are also waiting.”
Constable Racagi, who was assigned to the Lami Police Station, went missing during night shift on February 20 and his body was later discovered floating near the beach behind the Lami Oceania Wesley Church the next morning.
