Man who allegedly stabbed Police Officer to death in Lautoka last night was bailed for a theft case yesterday

There is confirmation that the 25-year-old man who allegedly stabbed a 24-year-old Police Officer to death in Lautoka late last night was produced in the Nadi Magistrates Court yesterday for a case of theft and was bailed out.

It has also been confirmed by Police that the man has three criminal cases pending in the Savusavu Magistrates Court.

24-year-old Siuta Niumataiwalu who was based at Lautoka Police Station died this morning after being stabbed by the suspect of a theft case in Lautoka last night.

Police say the officer was deployed with a team of investigators to attend to a separate case in Buabua when another report was received regarding the suspect who was allegedly seen on top of the roof of a building in Lautoka City.

The officer managed to apprehend the suspect near the Churchill Park Grounds but the suspect allegedly took out a kitchen knife and stabbed the officer several times.

He was rushed to the Lautoka Hospital where he passed away before 2am this morning.

The suspect was arrested near the scene and is in custody at the Ba Police Station. Investigations continue.

Fiji Police Force mourn the death of the Police Officer who was stabbed while responding to a theft case last night [22/10/2019]
By: Shanil Singh

Members of the Fiji Police Force are today mourning the death of a brave comrade who was so young yet put all his efforts on the line to protect and serve the people of Fiji.

The 24-year-old Police Officer was stabbed several times last night while responding to a theft case and passed away at the Lautoka Hospital at around 2 o'clock this morning.

Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho has sent his condolences to the late officer's family and loved ones.

He says the late officer has paid the ultimate price and in his eagerness to answer the call of duty acted swiftly to apprehend the suspect and had unfortunately left behind the necessary equipment and accessories of his baton and capsicum spray.

Qiliho says it's never easy to lose one of their own officers and has vowed not to let his death be in vain.

The Police Commissioner says they will remember his sacrifice as officers continue to put their lives on the line every day to protect and serve to the best of their ability in the midst of all the challenges that they may face.