THE Nadi Magistrate’s Court yesterday ordered that six police officers facing charges in relation to the death of Richard Mock in January last year remain in custody until their next court date.
The accused men, formerly based at the Namaka Police Station, appeared before Magistrate Jeremaia Savou.
The court was also informed that the seventh accused, Fenton Thaggard, also a police officer would be produced separately on a later date.
Shonal Shanesh Kumar is charged with one count of manslaughter. It is alleged that between January 16 and January 17, 2025, in the Western Division, Mr Kumar and another officer assaulted Mock, causing his death.
Retired officer Abdul Saiban is charged as an accessory after the fact to manslaughter.
The court heard that Mr Saiban allegedly assisted Mr Thaggard and Mr Kumar who, to his knowledge, had been involved in the commission of an offence against Mock, to enable Mr Thaggard and Mr Kumar to escape punishment.
Four other officers — Owen Brian Smith, Isikeli Nagilolevu, Ratu Peni Masara Ranamu and Ratu Filimoni
Yawayawa — are jointly charged with one count of manslaughter arising from a breach of duty.
The State alleges that on January 16 and 17, 2025, the four, in omitting to exercise due care and attention, caused Mock’s death.
Prosecutor Joeli Nasa served the charge sheets on defence lawyers and requested the matter be transferred to the High Court in Lautoka, noting that disclosures were voluminous.
Mr Nasa further objected to bail for the accused men, citing the seriousness of the charges.
Defence lawyers argued that the second count against Mr Saiban is defective because it is a summary offence that should be dealt with in the Magistrate’s Court rather than the High Court.
Magistrate Savou transferred the matter to the High Court in Lautoka and adjourned the case to April 14.
