Nine Fijian police officers were awarded certificates of commendation for the successful investigation, arrest and subsequent conviction of 15 people involved in a sedition case in Rakiraki.
The officers are Superintendent of Police Loraini Seru, Inspector Simione Tuivanuavou, Sergeant Suliasi Dulaki, Corporal Kiska Nana, Inspector Vilitati Bari, Retired Assistant Superintendent of Police Sevuloni Masitabua, Sergeant Amani Satuwere and two officers based at the Intelligence Bureau.
Fiji Police Chief of Intelligence and Investigations Assistant Commissioner of Police Biu Matavou said the commendation certificates were a result of following the right procedures and processes of investigations.
“Investigation processes and procedures are in place for a reason and when one fails to follow the tested procedures, it will impact the prosecution process,” ACP Matavou said in a statement.
He said a lot of time and resources were injected into any investigation and while a suspect could be charged, success could only be measured from a successful prosecution.
“Cases are lost when investigators take shortcuts and we cannot afford to do that because we are measured by successful prosecutions.
“When we mistreat suspects, it will impact the prosecution stages and that is why we need to strictly follow and adhere to these processes.”
