Police Officers Await Judgment in High-Profile Manslaughter Case

Three police officers charged in connection with the death of a man at the Samabula Police Station in 2022 are scheduled to return to the High Court in Suva on December 11 for their ruling. Maciu Vakatuturaga, Joshua Bull, and Isireli Raseisei appeared before Justice Thushara Rajasinghe on Friday, seeking an update on their case. Each officer faces one count of manslaughter for allegedly assaulting Mikaele Tikoivalenibula, who was arrested for allegedly assaulting a 27-year-old mechanic. The incident in question occurred in February 2022. Justice Rajasinghe indicated that he requires additional time to finalize the ruling, leading to the adjournment. Vakatuturaga and Bull are represented by lawyer Shirley Tivao, while Raseisei is represented by Joji Cakau. All three officers remain on bail.