AFTER two weeks in remand, police officers charged in relation to the death of Nadi resident Richard Mock are expected to have their bail applications heard this Friday.
The accused — Shonal Shanesh Kumar, Abdul Saiban, Owen Brian Smith, Isikeli Nagilolevu, Ratu Peni Masara, and Ratu Filimoni Yawayawa — appeared before Justice Sekonaia Vodokisolomone at the High Court in Lautoka yesterday.
Mr Kumar faces one count of manslaughter. It is alleged that between January 16 and 17, 2025, in the Western Division, he and another officer assaulted Mock, resulting in his death. Retired officer Abdul Saiban has been charged as an accessory after the fact to manslaughter.
Meanwhile, Mr Smith, Mr Nagilolevu, Mr Masara, and Mr Yawayawa are jointly charged with one count of manslaughter arising from an alleged breach of duty.
Justice Vodokisolomone has given the State 14 days to file disclosures and information relating to the substantive matter, which has been adjourned to May 6.
The State’s response to the bail applications is expected to be presented when the case is recalled this Friday. State lawyer Laisiasa Baleilevuka told the court that more time was needed to confirm the State’s position on bail.
In a related development, the seventh accused, Fenton Thaggard, who is charged with one count of manslaughter, also appeared in court yesterday before Justice Sunil Sharma. His case has now been transferred to be heard alongside the other accused.
According to court submissions, Mr Saiban allegedly assisted Mr Thaggard and Mr Kumar — knowing they had been involved in the alleged offence — in an attempt to help them evade punishment.
All seven have been further remanded in custody and are scheduled to reappear in court on April 17.
