Called too soon, killed in the line of duty

Commissioner says the force had lost a young and promising comrade

PC 5817 Siuta Niumataiwalu was the apple of his mother’s eye.

He was the youngest of five siblings. He hardly got up to mischief and was kind-hearted.

For Makereta Niumataiwalu, the pain of losing her son is unfathomable.

She had lost her husband in 2007. Since then, she singlehandedly supported her children’s education, dreams and aspirations.

It was a dream come true when PC Niumataiwalu graduated from the Fiji Police Academy last year. She had only wished her late husband was around to witness his achievement.

Now she carries on with life devoid of any meaning. Her hope, her joy was no more.

PC Niumataiwalu was set for an adventurous Police career after completing the 12-week basic training course in Nasova.

The OJT or On The Job Training at Lautoka Police Station was just the beginning.

He was based with the operations, CID and was deployed on major drug operations in the West.

His immediate supervisor described him as a quiet achiever who was focused on advancing his investigating skills.

PC Niumataiwalu was 24-years old.

On Monday night, he was deployed with a team of investigators to attend to a separate case in Buabua. On their way there, another report was received regarding a 25-year-old suspect who was allegedly seen on the roof of a building in Lautoka City. The suspect is a known fugitive.

The team pursued the suspect by car and by foot.

This took place at around 10:50pm.

PC Niumataiwalu managed to apprehend the suspect near the Churchill Park Grounds.

In the process the suspect allegedly took out a kitchen knife and stabbed the officer several times. PC Niumataiwalu was rushed to the Lautoka Hospital and admitted for injuries to his stomach and neck. He passed away just before 2am yesterday. Police Commissioner Brigadier-General Sitiveni Qiliho said it was a sad day for the force.

They had lost a brave comrade who was so young yet had put his life on the line to protect and serve the people of Fiji.

PC Niumataiwalu was unarmed (without his baton and capsicum spray), and sadly paid the ultimate price.

Moce mada (rest in peace) PC 5817 Siuta Niumataiwalu.