Fiji army chief says military must take responsibility after man's death in custody

The head of Fiji’s military has acknowledged the seriousness of the death of a man while in military custody.

The case is now being investigated as a murder by the police instead of a medical emergency, as earlier reported by the military.

This means the army's initial announcement has been officially challenged by both Jone Vakarisi's family and a local pathologist.

Republic of Fiji Military Forces Commander Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai said the force must take responsibility for what happened.

He said due process and accountability must be followed.

“An unintentional incident occurred at the camp. It was unforeseen and regrettable, and we must take responsibility for it,” Kalouniwai said during a Force Family Church Service in Suva on Sunday.

Civil society groups are calling for transparency and accountability as investigations continue into the death of Jone Vakarisi in Fiji military custody. Photo/RNZ Pacific/Supplied

Senior military officers gathered for worship, reflection, and leadership guidance at the Centenary Methodist Church in Suva.

The service addressed recent public scrutiny regarding military accountability and Vakarisi's death.

The army commander's comments come as the case continues to spark national concern.

A leaked document reportedly lists asphyxia, severe traumatic head injuries, and blunt force trauma as the causes of death.

Authorities in Fiji say the investigation into the death of Jone Vakarisi remains ongoing, with police treating the case as a murder inquiry. Photo/Fiji Police

This has raised serious questions with police now treating the case as a murder investigation.

Civil society groups say the circumstances point to deeper concerns about the treatment of people in custody and accountability within security forces.

Loukinikini Lewaravu, Director of the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission, said any death in custody carries serious responsibility for the state.

“Any loss of life in custody is a matter of exceptional gravity, regardless of the circumstances that led to arrest or detention...," she said in a statement.

"Persons deprived of their liberty are in a position of vulnerability and are owed the highest duty of care by the state.

"A place of detention must never become a place of fear, abuse or impunity,” Lewaravu said.

Loukinikini Lewaravu, Director of the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission, says any death in custody is a matter of “exceptional gravity” and calls for the highest duty of care from the state. Photo/Facebook/Human Rights Commission Fiji

Kate Schuetze, an Amnesty International Pacific researcher, said the explanations given so far have not resolved concerns.

“The information provided by authorities on this death in custody raises more questions than answers... Statements of regret by the Commander of Fiji's military are meaningless unless followed by comprehensive and transparent explanations and where there is sufficient admissible evidence, appropriate criminal charges against those responsible,” her press release said.

She also warned against limiting scrutiny of the case. “This death also raises questions about the culture of impunity within Fiji's military forces and the role of the military in policing matters ... Questions and reporting about this case cannot be suppressed for reasons of 'national security'.”

Fiji's Home Affairs Minister Pio Tikoduadua has also weighed in, saying the matter must be handled with full accountability and respect for the law.

“This is a serious matter... Accountability, adherence to the rule of law, and respect for due process must remain paramount,” he told local media.

Vakarisi’s family has described the emotional toll of his death and raised concerns about his treatment in custody.

His sister Melehola Tagaga said neighbours heard distressing moments during the night.

“My brother was saying 'oi lei, au via bula' (hey, I want to be alive), and that is all they [neighbours] heard, all through the night... His life probably didn’t matter to them [the military] but it mattered to us," she told RNZ Pacific.

"He had a past with the law, but that didn’t give them the right to kill him. A person's life in custody should be protected.”

The Fiji Police Force formally reclassified the case as a murder investigation following a high-level meeting with Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.

Authorities had earlier urged caution on public commentary after citing national security concerns. But the case has since drawn widespread scrutiny from civil society and rights groups.

Police investigations are ongoing.