MAN IN CUSTODY
Investigations continue, no charges have been laid yet
Aman from Kalekana was taken into custody by the Police for questioning in the case of missing three-year-old girl
Talei Raikadroka. This was confirmed by Talei’s grandmother. Today marks day 12 since Talei went missing from her home in Kalekana in Lami under mysterious circumstances. Arieta Rainaqato said a relative who was staying at her place was taken in by Police on Monday. “Police also came with a search warrant and took clothes belonging to the relative,” she said. “Earlier, they had come and taken my son (Talei’s uncle) and after questioning him, I was told he was kept in custody for allegedly absconding bail.”
Despite taking the man into custody, Police have not laid any charges and are yet to confirm on the whereabouts of Talei. Ms Ronaiqato said she still believed that her granddaughter was alive. “I have prayed for her and will keep praying for her. I have been to priests who have assured me that my prayer has powers,” she said.
Talei went missing on Saturday, November 30. She was last seen on a Friday evening when she was at her paternal grandfather Devekuta Raikadroka’s place. It is believed Talei went missing on Saturday morning.
Her mother, Losalini Lalaia, started searching for her on Saturday afternoon when Talei did not come home from the grandfather’s residence. No one had realised she was missing until her mother came looking for her.
On the same day when search began, a shopkeeper in the area said she saw a man walking out of Kalekana with a small girl. This has been refuted as the shopkeeper was confident that the girl on Saturday was not Talei, after seeing photos. There have also been statements from Kalekana residents that little Talei had walked by herself to the shop at the entrance of Kalekana and was brought home by two youths who had gone to the shop and saw the girl by herself.
Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro said Police investigations and the search for Talei continued.