John Makai was unresponsive when dragged from a Victoria police van. Just one of many ‘shortcomings’ inquest has heard so far
News Source
•Sat, 03 Oct 2026 19:00:07 GMT
📰 What Happened
John Makai, a 58-year-old father of 10, died in September 2023 after being held in a Melbourne police cell. He was found unresponsive and taken to hospital, where he died two days later.
A coroner's inquest is looking at how police cared for him. He was left in a cell at Broadmeadows police station for about five hours without proper checks.
🔍 The Backstory
The hearing follows nearly eight hours of events that began with an Uber ride. The court heard that many mistakes were made, though it is unclear which ones led to his death.
Victoria's top police officer has apologised. This is another inquest into a death in police custody, a problem that keeps coming back in Australia.
🎯 Why It Matters
People in police care must be kept safe. This case shows why custody rules and checks matter, and why families deserve answers.
John Makai, a 58-year-old father of 10, died in September 2023 after being held in a Melbourne police cell. He was found unresponsive and taken to hospital, where he died two days later.
A coroner's inquest is looking at how police cared for him. He was left in a cell at Broadmeadows police station for about five hours without proper checks.
The hearing follows nearly eight hours of events that began with an Uber ride. The court heard that many mistakes were made, though it is unclear which ones led to his death.
Victoria's top police officer has apologised. This is another inquest into a death in police custody, a problem that keeps coming back in Australia.
People in police care must be kept safe. This case shows why custody rules and checks matter, and why families deserve answers.