The Police Investigating Officer, Inspector Rupeni Taoka in the murder trial of two former police officers Kelepi Kolinisau and Selema Tikoenaburevere has told Suva High Court that a few procedures were not followed at the Totogo Police Station on the night Josua Lalauvaki was allegedly assaulted.
26-year-old Lalauvaki was allegedly assaulted by Kolinisau and Tikoenaburevere on 2nd September last year and later passed away on the 11th of October last year.
Taoka told the court that during his investigations, he had discovered that there was no record of Lalauvaki and his friends being brought into the Totogo Police Station on 2nd September.
During cross-examination by the defence lawyer, Barbara Malimali, the prosecution witness also confirmed that he did not check with the Reserve Bank of Fiji's CCTV which is directly at the back of Totogo Police Station.
During the re-examination by DPP lawyer, Meli Vosawale, Investigating Officer Taoka revealed that other officers were also prime suspects in the murder investigation, however, it was found after crosschecks that there was nothing that they had done and their statements were recorded.
Taoka also says that in his investigations he had discovered that Lalauvaki and his friends were not swearing at the police officers.
Judge, Vincent Parera has also accepted Vosawale's application to change the particulars of the charges.
The two are now charged with Lalauvaki's murder on the 11th of October last year.
Both Kolonisau and Tikoenaburevere have pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Lalauvaki died at the CWM Hospital on the 11th of October last year.
The trial continues before Justice Perera.
Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations