FCOSS Clarifies Position On Commission Of Inquiry Into Fiji Police Force

SUVA, FIJI -------The Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS) wishes to clarify that it has not issued a recent call for a Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the Fiji Police Force, contrary to comments made during Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s press conference yesterday.

Executive Director Vani Catanasiga confirmed that the recommendation for a COI dates back to October 2021.

Context of the Original Call
The initial call for an inquiry followed intense public criticism regarding the police response to gang brawls in Nabua. These incidents allegedly involved a key figure in a major drug syndicate.

“FCOSS has not issued a fresh call for a Commission of Inquiry of late,” Catanasiga stated. “If the call had been heeded in 2021—or even in 2023 when the Coalition government took office—we believe many of the issues currently facing the Force could have been resolved much sooner.”

Ongoing Cooperation and Support
Despite the previous call for a COI, Catanasiga emphasized that FCOSS and its members fully respect the integrity of the current internal investigations.

Support for Leadership: FCOSS acknowledges the ongoing investigations led by Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu.

Community Engagement: FCOSS members remain committed to their partnership with local community policing networks across the country.

Awaiting Results: The Council looks forward to the findings of the current investigations to ensure transparency and accountability.

“Our members continue to collaborate closely with the police at the grassroots level as we await the results of the internal probe,” Catanasiga added.

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