Court date for police officers
Three police officers accused of assault will return to the Suva Magistrate’s Court on August 8. Eroni Matanikoroca, Elia Sioweli, and Moape Tau Tikomailepanoni are alleged to have assaulted two young men, aged 16 and 19, who were in a van reportedly playing loud music. The officers took the youths to a police post where they were searched and allegedly mistreated. The court has confirmed that both the officers and the complainants are open to reconciliation. DPP lawyer Hezekiah Nofaga has submitted the statements from the teenagers as ordered by the court. The trio’s bail has been extended.
Former MP to know fate
Former parliamentarian Peceli Vosanibola will learn if he has a case to answer on August 7. The case was called last week to review FICAC lawyer Joseph Work’s response to the no-case-to-answer submissions filed on the same day. Magistrate Pulekeria Low will announce the ruling after hearing from both sides. Mr. Vosanibola has been charged by FICAC with providing false information to a public servant and obtaining financial advantage. It is alleged that between August 2019 and March 2020, he falsely claimed Navuloa Village in Bureta on Ovalau as his permanent residence, allowing him to gain $19,749.50. The case was heard at the Suva Magistrate’s Court.
Accused receives documents
A 24-year-old man charged with unlawful possession of illicit drugs has received all requested documents from the police prosecution. Thakor Hari Punja appeared before Magistrate Yogesh Prasad in Suva last week. The police indicated that the disclosures were ready to be filed and provided to defense lawyer Iqbal Khan. Mr. Prasad has allowed Mr. Khan 28 days to thoroughly review the documents before the next court date. Mr. Khan was also reminded to coordinate with the police prosecution regarding any issues related to the caution interview. The second phase of the pre-trial conference will begin on the next court date. Mr. Punja faces three counts of unlawful possession of illicit drugs, including 0.841 grams of methamphetamine, along with 5.447 grams of cocaine and 16.6 grams of cannabis from an incident on May 11.