Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu says the lack of specialised forensic equipment in Fiji is delaying investigations into the death of Police Constable Peniasi Racagi, with critical samples having to be sent overseas for further analysis.

Speaking to the media, Tudravu said police are still waiting on laboratory results from New Zealand before the investigation can progress and before the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) can determine its next course of action.

“The issue at this point in time is we don’t have the machines that normally do the equipment’s proper analysis of the post-mortem that needs to be done further,” he said.

“That is why we have referred all the samples and specimens to our New Zealand counterparts for further examination.”

Tudravu said the absence of the necessary forensic technology means investigations requiring specialised testing will continue to face delays, as Fiji remains dependent on overseas laboratories.

“If we cannot be provided with that equipment, then all these things will be prolonged,” he said.

“We will refer everything to our counterparts for their lab tests because we don’t have the equipment to do that.”

The Commissioner revealed that police make annual budget submissions for forensic capability upgrades, stressing that modern investigations require a well-equipped forensic laboratory.

“Submission of budgets are done every year. We are heading into a new era where we need the forensic lab to be well equipped,” he said.

“If we cannot be provided with that equipment, then the process will continue to take this long.”

Tudravu said all samples connected to the Racagi investigation have already been sent to New Zealand, with police now waiting for the results before investigations can move forward.

He also appealed to the late officer’s family for patience.

“I plead and urge the relatives and the victims to bear with us. It is out of our control, and we are also waiting.”

While overseas laboratories have indicated a turnaround time of about three weeks, the Commissioner said other factors can extend the wait.

“Three weeks is the timeline that is given to us, but there are other issues that come in, and then it will take longer than that.”

The comments come as the ODPP continues to await critical forensic evidence before deciding whether further legal action can be taken in the case.

Earlier this month, the ODPP confirmed it was waiting for the post-mortem report and DNA evidence from overseas testing before determining its position.

The investigation has faced repeated delays in recent months due to outstanding forensic evidence.

The High Court previously questioned the absence of key documents, including the post-mortem report and DNA analysis, while earlier murder charges against two accused men were later discontinued pending further investigations and expert findings.

Fiji has operated forensic pathology services for years, but complex forensic examinations and specialised laboratory testing continue to require overseas assistance when local capability or equipment is unavailable.

Official police reports show the country’s forensic pathology unit conducts hundreds of post-mortem examinations annually, highlighting the growing demand for modern forensic infrastructure.