Statement by the Commissioner of Police

Police officers on duty at the Namaka Police Station during the time of arrest of the late Mr Richard Mock have been questioned via Video Recording Interviews (VRI).

Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu said the investigation headed by a team from the Criminal Investigations Department headquarters, have completed the questioning process and are now in the process of compiling all statements, along with forensic evidence before the investigation file is to be submitted to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).

“It has been established at this stage of the investigation, that Police were the last in contact with the late Mr Mock and investigators are piecing together the timeline of events and circumstances surrounding his death.”

“We sympathise with Mr Mock’s family and assure them of the conduct of a transparent investigation where due process will be followed with independent legal advice sought from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.”

The Commissioner of Police is again calling on members of the public to trust the process of investigations as the Fiji Police Force has nothing to hide.

“I have made my intent clear in that, if there are claims against police officers, due process will follow and officers must stand ready to face the consequences of their actions.”

“We understand that Mr Mock’s family have a lot of questions, and I want to personally assure them that they will get the answers they need. I ask that investigators be given time to conduct their work, and we will provide the necessary updates when developments come to hand.”