CALLS are growing for police to answer tough questions and be held accountable over ‘failures’ in the investigation into the murder of Police Constable Peniasi Racagi.
The concerns follow the discontinuance of charges against Keni Salawai, 42, and Jope Seniloli, 20, after police failed to submit key supporting documents — post-mortem report, DNA analysis results and video-recorded interview records — to prosecutors on time.
Justice Daniel Goundar said delays by police in submitting key evidence raised a lot of questions, particularly given the seriousness of the murder allegations and the fact that the victim was a serving police officer.
Opposition MP Jone Usamate said serious questions remained over the handling of the case, including whether the two men initially charged were legitimate suspects.
“There are lots of questions there,” Mr Usamate said.
“Why were they suspected? Were they actual suspects or was somebody trying to portray them as suspects?”
Mr Usamate said it was critical for institutions such as the Police Force and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to perform their duties properly in order to maintain public trust and ensure the safety of citizens.
Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu earlier confirmed the delay by police led the prosecution to file a Nolle Prosequi last Friday.
He accepted full responsibility for the lapse and said internal disciplinary action had been directed against officers responsible.
Mr Tudravu also confirmed that pending investigation reports, expert findings and a separate investigation file relating to the alleged involvement of police officers would be resubmitted for further review by the ODPP before independent legal advice is rendered.
Mr Usamate meanwhile cautioned against speculation surrounding the matter.
“I know there are all kinds of rumours going around and I’m not going to add to all the rumours about drugs and what not, because I don’t know what the truth is,” he said.
“It’s important we have a strong police force that is independent, that does what it’s supposed to do, and they do their job right to keep all the people in this country safe.”
When questions were put to police, spokesperson Ana Naisoro said no further detail could be released because investigations were continuing.
