Justice Thushara Rajasinghe of Suva has announced that he is not yet prepared to deliver a judgment regarding three suspended police officers facing manslaughter charges. Maciu Vakaturaga, Isireli Raseisei, and Joshua Bull were scheduled to receive a ruling, but Justice Rajasinghe indicated that it would take a few more weeks to reach a decision.
The officers are accused of being involved in the death of Mikaele Tikoivalenibula in February 2022. Reports suggest that the men assaulted Tikoivalenibula, leading to his death. Furthermore, it is alleged that the three policemen attacked the victim on different occasions while he was detained in a cell at the Samabula Police Station.
The charges against them have been officially filed by the Director of Public Prosecutions. Vakaturaga and Bull are represented by attorney Shirley Tivao, while Joji Cakau is defending Raseisei. Bail for all three officers has been extended.