Police Officers Await Verdict 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 set to return to the High Court in Suva on December 11 for their verdict. Maciu Vakatuturaga, Joshua Bull, and Isireli Raseisei appeared before Justice Thushara Rajasinghe on Friday, anticipating the delivery of their judgment. Each officer faces one count of manslaughter for allegedly assaulting Mikaele Tikoivalenibula, who was taken to the police station for reportedly attacking a 27-year-old mechanic. The incident occurred in February 2022. Justice Rajasinghe indicated that he required additional time to finalize the ruling, leading to the postponement. Vakatuturaga and Bull are represented by lawyer Shirley Tivao, while Raseisei is represented by Joji Cakau. All three men remain on bail.