Laboratory samples connected to the inquiry into the death of Police Constable Peniasi Racagi have been forwarded to New Zealand for analysis.
This follows the Fiji Police Force transferring all files and evidence, including allegations of officer involvement, to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) for independent review.
ODPP director Nancy Tikoisuva confirmed her office had received the documents, stating that prosecutors would carefully examine all evidence gathered by the police before deciding on the next steps.
“We confirm receipt of the police docket,” Ms Tikoisuva said.
“The entire evidence forwarded by the police (will be examined).” While responding to queries, she said the review was expected to take three to four weeks because the ODPP was waiting for test results from overseas.
“We await lab results from New Zealand,” she said.
“We have yet to complete the review.”
Once the evaluation is complete, the office will determine whether there is sufficient evidence for criminal charges to be laid or whether further investigations are required.
Ms Tikoisuva said the ODPP would provide its findings directly to investigators.
“We will communicate directly with the police on the outcome,” she said.
“The police will make the announcements in public once they complete their process.”
Racagi was found dead in the waters near Lami on February 22 after he was reportedly on duty the night before.
In March, two men aged 42 and 20 were charged with murder and later produced in court in relation to the alleged killing of the young officer.
However, the case did not proceed further after the ODPP determined there was insufficient evidence at the time to continue with the prosecution.
