The Fiji Police Force has confirmed that police officers are also under investigation in relation to the death of Police Constable Peniasi Racagi, as scrutiny intensifies over the handling of the case.
This comes after the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions withdrew charges against two men accused over Racagi’s death due to delays by Police in submitting key supporting documents to prosecutors.
Director of Public Prosecutions briefed Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu on the reasons behind the decision to discontinue the case last Friday.
Commissioner Tudravu has accepted full responsibility for the delay, saying immediate internal measures have now been taken to identify procedural shortcomings, with disciplinary action directed against those responsible.
Police say pending investigation reports and expert findings will be resubmitted to the ODPP, alongside a separate investigation file relating to the alleged involvement of police officers, to allow prosecutors to independently assess all evidence before legal advice is issued.
The Commissioner says the Fiji Police Force respects the judicial process and will ensure proper legal procedures are followed to avoid causing further trauma to the families involved.
Tudravu has assured the family of the late PC Peniasi Racagi and the public that those responsible for his death will be brought to justice.
