Qiliho says he has authority to suspend officers with full pay

Acting Police Commissioner Brigadier General Sitiveni Qiliho says he has the authority under the constitution to suspend the police officers charged in relation to the Vilikesa Soko case, with full pay.

Qiliho had announced the suspension in a press conference after a meeting with the Director of Public Prosecutions, Christopher Pryde.

Qiliho confirms that the police officers are suspended with full pay from Sunday.

He says it was his call to reinstate the police officers.

He says the Task Force Unit these police officers belong to is separate from the Criminal Investigation Department.

The Acting Police Commissioner says they will continue to work with the DPP.

Qiliho also met with the Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama.

He says it was to do with some matters after the Prime Minister's Western Division tour.

The Director of Public Prosecutions, Christopher Pryde has decided to file additional charges against police and military officers involved in the Vilikesa Soko death in custody matter following a review of the case last week.

Police officers Manasa Talala, Seruvi Caqusau, Kelevi Sewatu, Penaia Drauna, Filise Vere, Viliame Vereivalu, Jona Davonu, Senitiki Natakasavu and soldier Pita Matairavula will now also face the additional charges of attempted rape and sexual assault.

The charges are attempted rape and sexual assault of Senijieli Boila and sexual assault of Vilikesa Soko.

Due to the serious nature of the additional counts and concerns regarding possible interference in the prosecution case, the DPP also decided to make an application to the court to revoke the bail for all accused persons.

Christopher Pryde had said in a statement that he is extremely concerned that a number of these accused officers have been reinstated to the Police Force after they had been suspended as this represents a real risk of interference with the State’s case.

Pryde said it is unacceptable for police officers charged with indictable offences to remain active in their positions while the matter is proceeding through the courts.