Saimoni Rokotunidau, who is charged with the attempted murder of Police Constable Senoveva Tikoduadua and was wanted on a bench warrant, has been arrested.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations Kasiano Vusonilawe confirmed that Rokotunidau was arrested this morning at a residence along Nasinu Road.
“Bench warrantee Saimoni Rokotunidau was arrested this morning by officers from the Serious Organised Crime, K9 and Valelevu CID at a residence in Nasinu Road,” ACP Vusonilawe said.
Rokotunidau had earlier failed to appear in court despite being required to do so under his bail conditions.
State lawyer Hezekiah Nofaga had informed High Court judge Justice Dane Tuiqereqere that Rokotunidau was on the run and had also sold the property where he had been residing.
The State subsequently applied for Rokotunidau’s two sureties to be summoned before the court to explain why he had failed to attend court despite the conditions attached to his bail.
Justice Tuiqereqere granted the application and ordered the two sureties to appear in court on August 25 to explain Rokotunidau’s non-attendance.
Rokotunidau is facing an attempted murder charge in relation to an incident involving Police Constable Senoveva Tikoduadua at a checkpoint in Laqere, Nasinu, in April.
Constable Tikoduadua, the daughter of Defence and Veterans Affairs Minister Pio Tikoduadua, was struck by a vehicle while manning the checkpoint.
The vehicle was allegedly being pursued by police at the time of the incident.
Rokotunidau’s arrest follows efforts by police to locate him after the bench warrant was issued.
