STATEMENT

The Acting Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu has assured the Fijian public that all reports of alleged Police assault will be dealt with fairly and in a transparent manner. This follows the two recent cases of alleged police brutality whereby the Acting Commissioner has directed investigations to be conducted into the alleged involvement of Police Officers.

A/CP Tudravu says while initial confirmation of alleged incidents will be made upon enquiries, that does not however determine the final outcome of any case as the investigation processes will need to take its course.

He adds he is liaising closely with the Chief of Intelligence and Investigations regarding the investigation currently being conducted in relation to the death of Mesake Sinu and assures the victim’s family and the public that all findings will be submitted to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution for their independent legal advice.

Meanwhile, internal investigations into the alleged Police assault case in Nakasi has revealed that the social media post claiming that Police allegedly assaulted a man is not true. Four police officers were injured during the attack while two police officers who were off duty and were attempting to assist the alleged victim are also under investigation.

On the 10th of October a report was received at the Nakasi Police Station during curfew hours of a group of men drinking home brew in a public place at Qiqi Place Davuilevu Housing, which has also been confirmed through CCTV footage obtained during the course of the investigation. A team of officers were deployed whereby the men ran away and were later seen back at the same spot where another call was made requesting assistance.

Another team of officers were again deployed to the scene in an unmarked police vehicle whereby they quickly dispersed again however they managed to find one of them who had entered a private compound where another drinking party was taking place.

They complied with the process of asking permission to enter the compound which was allowed, whereby the officers were allegedly confronted a group of men including the two off duty officers.

Five people including the four police officers were injured in the process and they managed to arrest one of the men who was allegedly part of the group who were drinking in public. On the night of the incident a report was lodged by the four police officers against the alleged victim and the two Police officers for assault and obstruction.

The alleged victim based on the social media post has since been charged with failure to comply with orders, obstruction and resisting arrests.

The two off duty police officers are also under investigation for alleged obstruction and are being put through the internal disciplinary processes.

The Acting Commissioner is requesting members of the public to trust that the processes will be followed in a transparent manner, and if there is enough evidence to support claims made against Police officers, independent legal advice or the sanctioning of charges will be sought from the Office of the DPP.

A/CP Tudravu said Police officers are being constantly reminded that if they abuse their authority or fail to uphold the principles of human rights, then they will be dealt with according to the law.