Late Inspector Waqasoqo arrives in Fiji

The Fiji Police Force family is mourning the loss of an officer who was called to eternal rest while studying overseas.

The late Inspector Elia Waqasoqo was based at the Criminal Investigations Department’s Economic Crime Unit before he departed Fiji on the 5th September 2019 for a year of study at Indonesia’s Sespimen Staff College in West Java.  

In March 2020 the late officer completed the first half of his Language Studies Course and was undergoing the second half of the course and was scheduled to graduate later this month but was sadly called to eternal rest on the 1stof October.  

The medical autopsy findings have ruled out any link to Coronavirus as he had suffered a heart attack.  

The Acting Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu said the institution was saddened by the untimely loss of a young officer who had a lot of potential and was earmarked to take up senior managerial posts following his studies in Indonesia.  

“We were shocked and saddened to receive the news of his passing and have been liaising closely with the family on funeral arrangements”.

“His passing is a loss to the Fiji Police family and we acknowledge the support of the Indonesian Government, the Indonesian Police and the support officer at the Fiji Embassy during this difficult time for the late Inspector’s family and the institution”.

The late Inspector who was 44 years of age had undergone a series of selection processes in order to be selected into the Sespimen Staff College in West Java an Institution known to train and educate young and future leaders who are members of the ASEANAPOL as well as Australia and bilateral partners.  

A/CP Tudravu said his selection to study at the institution spoke volumes of the late Inspector’s caliber as a career Police officer.

“Selection is quite tough and officers are required to meet a high standard of criteria which he was able to accomplish.

He would have joined a list of officers who have graduated from the Sespimen Staff College and are now holding senior managerial posts”.  

“We truly appreciate the assistance given by the Indonesian Government and Indonesian Police and other external partners in giving our young officers these opportunities to pursue further studies, and I have no doubt that the late Inspector would have made significant contributions to Policing".  

The body of the late Inspector Waqasoqo has arrive into the country this afternoon.  

His body will be escorted by members of the Fiji Police Force to his village in Bouma, Taveuni where he will be accorded final funeral rites.  

He is survived by his wife and six children.