THREE police officers accused of seriously wounding a man have been acquitted after the High Court found no evidence that they participated in, encouraged, or assisted the alleged attack.
Officers Daniel Bal, Savenaca Tora, and Isikeli Votonisiga were cleared and found not guilty yesterday following a successful “no case to answer” submission.
Justice Dane Tuiqereqere noted the prosecution conceded there was no evidence linking the trio to the physical assault, which left the victim with two jaw fractures following a February 2, 2025, incident.
Despite calling 11 witnesses, Justice Tuiqereqere said there was no evidence that the three officers punched the victim, offered verbal or physical encouragement, or acted in joint enterprise.
Justice Tuiqereqere ruled that Mr Bal and Mr Tora’s actions – escorting the victim to a police vehicle and the Navua Police Station – were performed strictly as part of their routine police duties and that their mere presence at the scene did not constitute aiding or abetting.
While Mr Bal, Mr Tora, and Mr Votonisiga walk free, Justice Tuiqereqere ruled that the primary accused, Ratu Rasili Raseresere, has a case to answer. Witness testimony identified Mr Raseresere as the principal offender who repeatedly punched the victim in the head and ribs both before and after arriving at the Navua Police Station.
The trial against Mr Raseresere will proceed.
