Lalauvaki was assaulted by police officers at different locations - Davetawalu

The girlfriend of Josua Lalauvaki who was allegedly murdered by two former police officers last year told the Suva High Court this morning that Lalauvaki was assaulted by police officers at different locations in the early hours of 2nd September last year.

Former Police Officers, Kelepi Kolinisau and Selema Tikoenaburevere allegedly killed 26-year-old Josua Lalauvaki.

25-year-old Melania Davetawalu who is the first prosecution witness told the court that four police officers who were in civilian clothes had approached them outside Downunder Nightclub as her sister and her boyfriend were arguing over something.

She says one of the officers asked them to take their argument somewhere else and clear the road while another officer passed a sarcastic comment. Davetawalu says her sister had then replied which offended the police officer who punched her on the face.

Davetawalu says this is when Josua Lalauvaki and her sister's boyfriend retaliated and everyone started throwing punches at each other.

She says they were later put at the back tray of a four wheel drive and taken to Totogo Police Station. Davetawalu also revealed in court that one of the officers had assaulted Lalauvaki and his sister's boyfriend with a baton while on their way to Totogo Police Station.

Davetawalu says when they reached Totogo Police Station, Lalauvaki and her sister's boyfriend were thrown out of the police vehicle and were taken inside the station by the officers.

Davetawalu says she later heard Lalauvaki screaming for help and when she went near him, she saw Lalauvaki was on the ground and the police officer who was in civilian clothes was stomping all over Lalauvaki's chest. 

She says Lalauvaki was in a lot of pain and could barely get up.

Davetawalu told the court that Lalauvaki was lying on the floor sideways with his knees pressed upon his chest and touching his stomach, saying he was in so much pain.

She told the court that she later asked a female police officer whether they were going to write a report as to why they were being held at the station, however the police officer did not say anything.

Davetawalu also told the court that the four police officers then came and asked for forgiveness from her and Lalauvaki and one of them also said that if they reported the matter, it would mean Lalauvaki will get 10 years imprisonment.

Davetawalu says she told the officers that they would not report the matter and just go.

She says they later went home, however, because Lalauvaki was continously moaning in pain, they had to go to the CWM Hospital where doctors gave him morphine and later told them after a scan that everything that was supposed to be inside Lalauvaki's stomach, was going outside and this is why he was going through this pain.

Lalauvaki died at the CWM Hospital on 11th October last year as a result of injuries sustained after the alleged assault.

The trial continues before High Court Judge, Justice Vinsent Perera.