STATEMENT

A social media post claiming a 21-year old man died after he was assaulted by Police officers is another attempt to discredit the Fiji Police Force.

The man's death was not as a result of an alleged beating at the hands of Police officers as claimed, but his death was due to an illness as confirmed by medical officials.

The victim was remanded in Police custody on the 25th of May as per an order by the Ba Magistrates Court after he had been produced charged for his alleged involvement in a Burglary case in Valele, Ba on the 22nd of May.

Whilst in remand he fell ill and was escorted to the Ba Hospital on the 2nd of June where he was treated and brought back to Police custody.

On the 5th of June he fell ill again and was immediately rushed to the Ba Hospital and was later transferred to the Lautoka Hospital where he was placed on life support.

A few days later Police were informed that the victim had passed away.

His death certificate was issued by medical officials at the Lautoka Hospital and the cause of death relayed to his father by Health authorities.

Ba Police had followed all necessary processes when a person kept in Police custody needs medical attention as was with this case.

A death register or an investigation surrounding the victim's death has been opened, as is the process carried out when a person held in Police Custody passes away from a medical illness.

This is another example of how misinformation is being used on social media platforms to discredit the work of the Fiji Police Force.

It is also unfortunate that these individuals are trying to take advantage of a family's loss to advance their own agendas.

If anyone feels they have any information or evidence claiming otherwise we urge them to come forward and we will look into their concerns.