No visits for prisoners as probe continues

The unit where the five recaptured escapees are being admitted at Suva’s CWM Hospital remains in lockdown with authorities ruling out visitors.

Police head of operation ACP Rusiate Tudravu said not even family members are allowed to visit the five who he says are still recovering.

Tudravu said the doctors in charge have not given the green light for visitation.

“Another reason is that the escapees have not being interviewed and any visitation may interfere with the process,” he said.

He said their first priority is the health of the escapees.

Meanwhile, permanent secretary for Information Sharon Smith-Johns said there is no update as yet to an investigation the Fiji Govt launched yesterday into the alleged use of excessive force in the recapture of the five prisoners.

Smith-Johns said such incidents are unfortunate and unacceptable and in a statement said that “the Fijian Government does not condone the excessive force used in the apprehension of the recaptured prisoners.”

By Ropate Valemei