Acting Police Commissioner, Brigadier Sitiveni Qiliho has suspended the police officers charged in relation to the Vilikesa Soko case.
Qiliho announced this in a press conference in the last hour after a meeting with the Director of Public Prosecutions, Christopher Pryde.
Qiliho confirms that the police officers are suspended with full pay from yesterday.
He says these police officers were reinstated because they were investigating a number of cases and they were state witnesses in 30 cases.
Qiliho also met with the Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama earlier today.
He says it was to do with some matters after the Prime Minister’s Western Division tour.
We will have more later this afternoon.
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 Nata-kasavu 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.
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