THE Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) has clarified that the circumstances surrounding the death of Sakiasi Radravu were not linked to any authorised military or joint operations, stating that only one of its personnel was involved in a private capacity.
Military commander Major General Ro Jone Kalouniwai said the individual was acting in a personal capacity as a complainant in a burglary case reported to the Fiji Police Force.
He said the officer had lodged a complaint on Radravu as the alleged suspect in the break-in and theft of personal property.
“This was not a sanctioned Joint Operations case conducted under the Drug Campaign – Illicit Drugs Act,” he said.
Mr Kalouniwai said the matter arose from a private burglary matter in which the sole individual was the complainant.
He confirmed the officer later accompanied police to the suspect’s residence on the night in question.
“He had lodged a complaint with the Fiji Police Force naming the deceased, Sakeasi Ose, as the prime suspect alleged to have broken into his residence and stolen personal property.”
He stressed that the individual’s involvement was personal and not connected to any official duty.
“The individual’s involvement was entirely personal in nature as the aggrieved complainant and bore no connection to any authorised military operation.
“It does not constitute institutional RFMF involvement nor reflect any sanctioned military action.”
Mr Kalouniwai said the military had been “regrettably drawn into this matter” due to the officer’s private involvement, while police investigations into the incident continue.
