Police confirm that the Death Certificate of drug convict, Jone Vakarisi in circulation is a police document that is issued after the conduct of a post mortem examination.
While responding to questions, Police say the copies are provided to the next of kin and to the investigating officer.
They say the investigation is ongoing as statements continue to be gathered by investigators.
The document being circulated says Vakarisi died from severe head and chest injuries.
The report says the condition directly leading to his death is asphyxia.
Commissioner of Police, Rusiate Tudravu earlier said the post mortem of Jone Vakarisi has been conducted, and the result is now with the investigators for further investigation.
Tudravu says an investigation is being conducted with regards to the death of Vakarisi following the official lodgement of the report on 17th April 2026.
He says the heads of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces and the Fiji Police Force are both in consensus of letting the law take its course, through the conduct of the investigation which is currently underway.
Meanwhile Minister for Defence, Pio Tikoduadua says the reports concerning the death of Jone Vakarisi while in military custody, is a serious matter, and he understands that the Fiji Police Force has confirmed that an investigation is now underway.
Tikoduadua says at this stage, it would be inappropriate for him to comment on the circumstances of the case while police inquiries are ongoing.
He says the proper process must be allowed to take its course, and all relevant facts must be established independently and professionally.
Tikoduadua says any loss of life in such circumstances is a matter of grave concern.
He expects the full cooperation of all relevant authorities with the police investigation.
The Minister says accountability, adherence to the rule of law, and respect for due process must remain paramount.
He urges the public to allow the investigation to proceed without speculation or the spread of misinformation.
Tikoduadua says further comment should properly follow once the Fiji Police have completed their investigations and the facts are clear.
The military has not made any further comments.
Vakarisi died in military custody, 3 other associates have been released after questioning, 1 Republic of Fiji Military Forces personnel remains in military custody to assist with ongoing internal disciplinary investigations while
investigations have identified the presence of unauthorized weapons verified as being outside of the RFMF's official inventory.
RFMF Commander, Major General Jone Kalouniwai has said that as part of a joint inquiry into recent security breaches, four individuals voluntarily presented themselves at Queen Elizabeth Barracks to assist with investigations.
He confirms that of those present, only Jone Vakarisi experienced a medical crisis.
Major General Kalouniwai says during the formal interview process, Vakarisi suffered a sudden and severe medical emergency. He says immediate and exhaustive life-saving efforts were administered by qualified RFMF medical personnel on-site but unfortunately could not revive him resulting in his unfortunate demise.
The Commander says preliminary medical assessments suggest the presence of a pre-existing condition that may have contributed to his death.
The Army Commander says in strict adherence to the Inquests Act 1967, the RFMF has immediately notified the relevant authorities and referred the matter to the Coroner's Office for an independent and formal inquiry.
The RFMF deeply regrets this loss of life and emphasizes that such an outcome is never desired.
The Commander says joint intelligence indicates the existence of an organized criminal network attempting to compromise national stability.
He says the documentation suggests a continued intent by this network to target state infrastructure, posing a credible threat to public safety.
The RFMF remains committed to its constitutional duty to protect the security and well-being of all Fijians.
They reiterate that any attempt to destabilize the nation or unlawfully access military assets will be met with firm, lawful, and proportionate action. The public is reminded that providing material support to individuals engaged in these criminal activities is a serious offense under Fiji law.
The Joint Task Force continues its operations to neutralize these threats and ensure the restoration of a safe and stable environment.
