Eight Fiji Police officers suspended
A meeting on Monday between Brigadier General, Qiliho and the Director of Public Prosecution Christopher Pryde clarified their positions on issues surrounding the case.
In an earlier statement, Pryde claimed a number of decisions made by the force, was obstructing the judicial process.
Following the outcome of the meeting the Commissioner also reached a decision regarding the officers.
“I have decided after the media release by the DPP and in the public interest to suspend these police officers in question with full pay from 07 February, 2016, until relevant proceedings against them are
completed.”
The meeting also allowed the Commissioner to explain the powers he had to reinstate the officers after their first suspension.
“I’ve had discussions with the Director of Public Prosecutions this morning and I went through with him the decision I had made with regards to the reinstatement of these police officers, which I made under the powers vested in me under the Constitution of the Republic of Fiji. The Commissioner of Police is an independent Constitutional officer and is responsible for the organisation and administration of the Fiji Police Force. The Commissioner is not subject to the direction or control of any person or authority only by the Minister responsible for the Fiji Police Force, said the acting police chief.
It was also clarified why the officers would comply with their bail conditions.
“The task force Unit which these police officers belong to is separate from the Criminal investigations Department which has carriage of the State vs Manasa Talala and others matter so the ability of these police officers to interfere with the CID is almost negligible if any. Indeed this condition is part of their bail conditions and I note has not been breached.”
The alleged eight police officers are Manasa Talala, Seruvi Caqusau, Kelevi Sewatu, Penaia Drauna, Filise Vere, Viliame Vereivalu, Jona Davonu and Senitiki Natakasavu.
The officers are also state witnesses in over 30 criminal proceedings which are now pending before the Court.
Meanwhile, the position of Henry Brown as Chief of Intelligence and Investigation has been advertised internally.
Acting Police Commissioner, Brigadier General, Sitiveni Qiliho said the expertise needed for the position is within the force.
“So we have to fill that position we can’t keep that position vacant,but we have advertised for all transparency that everybody is given a fair chance within the Institution with their experience to apply for that post.”
Qiliho also spoke about the steps taken by the Fiji Police Force in investigating Brown.
“They have finished the first and second phase of investigations for Brown to be questioned. No we haven’t, we haven’t gone that way in regards to extradition.”
Currently acting in the position is Luke Navela.... PACNEWS
Post a Comment