The investigation into the death of police constable Peni Racagi has taken a new turn, with forensic results from New Zealand now back in Fiji and the case file returned to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
The Fiji Police Force confirmed the investigation file had been forwarded to the ODPP following receipt of the overseas forensic findings.
“The file is with ODPP, with the results that came from New Zealand,” police said.
Constable Racagi was found dead in Lami waters on February 22 this year after reportedly being on duty the night before.
Two men, aged 42 and 20, were charged with murder in March and appeared in court in connection with the death of the young officer.
However, the prosecution did not proceed after the ODPP determined there was insufficient evidence at the time to continue with the case.
Samples and specimens linked to the investigation were subsequently sent to New Zealand for specialised forensic examination, as the equipment required for the testing was not available in Fiji.
The return of those results has now allowed police to complete the investigation file and submit it back to prosecutors.
The ODPP will assess the new forensic findings together with the other evidence gathered during the investigation before deciding whether further action should be taken.
At this stage, no new charge has been announced.
The latest development would determine the next course of action in the investigation into the death of Constable Racagi.
