8 officers depart for South Sudan

Another eight officers departed Fiji for a tour of mission under the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) earlier this week.

The eight officers are Superintendent of Police (SP) Viliame Sovalevu, Assistant Superintendent of Police Rajesh Kumar, Inspector Ranadi Kata, Inspector Vidya Pillay, Inspector Rakesh Goundar, Inspector Esala Naitini, Sergeant Alipate Koli and Sergeant Sunil Dutt.

Majority of the eight have prior peacekeeping exerience, however the most with three missions under her belt is Inspector Ranadi Kata.

IP Kata who is originally from Korotogo Village in the Province of Nadroga with maternal links to Naroro Village is based at the Criminal Investigations Department in Lautoka.

She had served in the Regional Assistance to the Solomon Islands and served two missions with the United Nations Mission in Liberia.

IP Kata says her family is supportive of her pursuit of international peacekeeping duties and is also thankful for the support of the Commissioner of Police and the Fiji Police Force.

The Commissioner of Police Brigadier General Sitiveni Qiliho wished the officers well, stressing the importance of maintaining the benchmark left by officers who previously served under UNMISS.

Brigadier General Qiliho acknowledged Inspector Kata for her commitment in heeding the call to serve as she marks her fourth peacekeeping mission.

The Commissioner of Police said he was proud to send off a contingent made up of senior officers who have the capabilities, experience and knowledge to be able to uphold Fiji Police's proud UN peacekeeping reputation.

The eight officers will join Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Juki Fong Chew, Inspector Nandni Kissun, Inspector Osea Tunidau and Police Constable Kamal Deo Sharma who left earlier this month.