Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu has directed the Assistant Commissioner of Operations to investigate the conduct of officers stationed at the Nasinu Court. This directive follows an incident where five police officers, charged in connection with an assault and extortion case involving a local businessman, were reportedly given special treatment as they entered the court via a private door.
The officers—Semiji Druguilagi Puamau, Elizabeth Sautu, Koroi Lakokilepanoni, Bernand Vukivuki, and Timoci Belo—were charged with assault causing actual bodily harm, among other charges that include theft and possession of suspected proceeds of crime. The court session, presided over by Magistrate Krishan Prasad, saw all five officers granted bail set at $1,000, subject to strict conditions.
Concerns were raised when reporters were initially barred from entering the courtroom until they sought intervention from a senior officer. Commissioner Tudravu has emphasized the importance of transparency, stating that police should not obstruct media coverage of legal proceedings. “We are committed to being open and transparent, especially when any officer is produced in court,” he noted.
This situation has sparked wider discussions surrounding police accountability and ethics, reflecting ongoing scrutiny within the law enforcement community in Fiji. The recent cases of misconduct have heightened public calls for reform, underscoring the necessity for a police force that maintains integrity and public trust.
The proactive measures taken by Commissioner Tudravu represent a hopeful direction for fostering accountability within the police. Initiatives aimed at reform may lead to improved relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve, ensuring a safer environment for all citizens.
Leave a comment