Police Misconduct: Reprimand Instead of Dismissal for Officers in High-Profile Case

Two police officers, Sergeant Penieli Ratei and Constable Tomasi Naulu, who were previously found guilty in a disciplinary proceeding in 2021 for photographing the brother of former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and sharing the image in a Viber group chat, have been recommended for reprimand rather than dismissal. This testimony was presented by tribunal officer Anil Prasad at the High Court in Suva.

The tribunal officer explained that five officers faced disciplinary actions during this case, with Ratei and Naulu being the only ones found guilty. Ratei took the photograph of Jonecani Bainimarama and his taxi license plate due to allegations related to drug transportation, which was then shared in a group chat used for monitoring COVID-19 operations. Notably, the tribunal ruled that these actions breached the Police Act of 1965.

During court proceedings, it was revealed that the former acting Police Commissioner, Rusiate Tudravu, had allegedly been pressured by Bainimarama to dismiss the two officers or resign himself. This pressure dates back to the period between May 21 and August 18, 2021, when Bainimarama was still in office.

Prasad noted he did not recommend dismissal of the officers, arguing that they had been following orders from their superiors. Furthermore, the case has implications for former Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho, who allegedly directed a show-cause letter to be issued to Ratei and Naulu, demanding an explanation for their continued employment within a compressed timeframe that did not adhere to standard procedures.

Testimonies pointed to broader issues of accountability and ethical governance within Fiji’s governmental framework. Observers are hopeful that the ongoing trial will reinforce integrity and transparency in the public service, an essential factor for restoring public trust in governmental institutions. As the trial progresses, the focus remains on the importance of ethical standards in governance and the judicial system’s role in addressing misconduct among public officials.