The Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) has confirmed the deaths of two inmates from the Suva Remand Centre and the Lautoka Corrections Centre in separate, unrelated incidents.

FCS said 29-year-old remandee George David Komainaua suffered serious burns on 24 October after another remandee allegedly poured hot water over him while they were preparing dinner at the Suva Remand Centre.

Komainaua received emergency treatment at the centre before being transferred to the Colonial War Memorial Hospital. He died on 31 October, with sepsis confirmed as the cause of death, FCS said.

The Fiji Police Force is conducting a criminal investigation, and FCS has established an internal board of inquiry.

In a separate incident, 39-year-old Inia Naqia suffered a medical emergency at the Lautoka Corrections Centre infirmary on 7 November. A duty nurse provided emergency care before he was taken to Aspen Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at about 10.52am.

FCS said Naqia had a pre-existing condition affecting his brain, had previously received hospital treatment and had declined a scheduled MRI scan. His cause of death remains unconfirmed, and his family declined an autopsy, according to FCS.

Acting Commissioner of Corrections Auta Moceisuva extended his condolences to both families. FCS said inquiries into both deaths were ongoing and that reports would be submitted to the relevant oversight authorities once the inquiries were complete.