The wives of the men taken in by the military, Amosi Naisara and Kelepi Komaisavou, urgently plead with Army Commander Ro Jone Kalouniwai and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces to release their husbands, or at the very least, allow them to see them immediately so they can confirm they are alive and safe.
Iva Danford and Ranadi Cokanasiga say their husbands were taken on Thursday night, and since then, they have received no communication.
They say they have not been given any answers.
The two women say instead, they have only heard deeply distressing reports, including the death of another detainee, Jone Vakarisi, whose family was reportedly denied access to his body.
They say while they respect the need for any lawful and legitimate investigation, thet firmly call for transparency, and the immediate right to family visitation.
They ask for reassurance now as their children and families are suffering, and they deserve to know the truth.
We have sought a response from the Army Commander.
Druglord, Jone Vakarisi has 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 says 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 offence under Fiji law.
The Joint Task Force continues its operations to neutralize these threats and ensure the restoration of a safe and stable environment.
