Fiji police go quiet on murders

FIJI – Fiji police say they will not be making any further public comments about the killing of Russians Yuri Shipulin and Nataliya Gerasimova until the investigation is completed.

They said this was due to the “sensitive nature” of the alleged crime where decomposed body parts of the couple were discovered washed shore at Natadola beach in Sigatoka last week.

FBC News reported that the public had been reassured that all efforts were being made to find whoever was responsible for the terrible act.

Police Commissioner Brigadier General Sitiveni Qiliho also warned the public to refrain from spreading unsubstantiated rumours about the case, saying it only created fear.

The government may be concerned the grizzly murder mystery may have an impact on tourism with the police commissioner reassuring tourists that Fiji remained a “peace loving country”.

“This is why we are requesting members of the public and the media to assist investigators by allowing them to focus on their work.

“We cannot be speculating on what transpired or what the outcome of the investigations will be. Speculation as such can paint a negative image of what’s happening in Fiji.”

Believed to be in their 40s, the Shipulins moved to Fiji about five years ago and went missing on June 16.

What has now turned into a double murder investigation has begun to catch the attention of global media with the mystery having all the elements of a best-selling novel.

- PNC