THE leaked death certificate detailing how Jone Vakarisi died from choking after sustaining severe head and chest injuries has been verified.
The Fiji Police Force confirmed this yesterday, stating that the document circulating publicly is an official record issued after a post-mortem examination.
“The Fiji Police Force confirms that the death certificate in circulation is a police document that is issued after the conduct of a post-mortem examination,” the police said.
“Copies are provided to the next of kin (Green copy) and to investigating officer (blue copy).
“The investigation is ongoing with statements continued to be gathered by investigators.”
The confirmation appears to contradict the initial account provided by the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), which suggested Mr Vakarisi’s death was the result of a sudden medical emergency potentially linked to a pre-existing condition.
In an earlier statement, the military said preliminary medical assessments indicated the presence of a pre-existing condition that “may have contributed” to his death.
Military commander Jone Kalouniwai has yet to provide further clarification following the police confirmation.
Meanwhile, the three individuals the military arrested alongside Mr Vakarisi last Thursday have been released and returned safely to their families on Saturday night.
Their return followed pleas from their wives, who had earlier claimed their husbands were being held by the military.
Investigations into the circumstances surrounding Mr Vakarisi’s death remain ongoing.
