Five Police Officers Charged for Assault and Extortion

Five police officers have been formally charged following the sanctioning of charges by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), in relation to an alleged assault and extortion incident involving a businessman from Nasinu.

All five officers have been charged with one count of assault causing actual bodily harm. In addition, four of the officers are facing further charges of theft and wrongful confinement, while two face a third charge of possession of property suspected of being proceeds of crime.

The officers are expected to appear in the Suva Magistrates' Court today.

Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu has reaffirmed the transparent process undertaken in investigations involving police officers, stating that independent legal advice is always sought from the ODPP upon receipt of a formal complaint.

Commissioner Tudravu reiterated the organisation’s zero-tolerance policy on corrupt practices within the force and said that officers found to have acted outside the law will be held accountable. He noted that such behaviour undermines public trust and confidence in policing.

All five officers are currently on interdiction.