Four police officers charged over alleged assault

Four police officers in Fiji face charges related to the alleged assault of a man in August 2024. The officers are expected to appear in the Suva Magistrates Court today.

The alleged assault took place after the officers questioned the victim, who was accused of causing a disturbance at a barbecue stall on the morning of August 25, 2024. During the encounter, the victim was reportedly assaulted. Furthermore, one of the officers is also accused of stealing the victim's personal belongings.

Following legal advice from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the four officers have been jointly charged with one count of acts intended to cause grievous harm. One officer faces an additional charge of theft.

The Fiji Police Force has confirmed that all four officers have been interdicted while the court proceedings are ongoing. The force reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards officers who abuse their legal authority, noting that the Internal Affairs Division investigates complaints, and criminal matters are referred to the Criminal Investigations Department for assessment by the Director of Public Prosecutions.