Defence seeks CCTV footage in Constable Racagi murder case

The lawyer for one of the two men charged with the alleged murder of Constable Peniasi Racagi is seeking uncut CCTV footage from multiple Lami Town locations to support his client’s alibi.

Keni Salawai and Jope Seniloli appeared before Justice Daniel Goundar at the High Court in Suva this morning.

They are charged with the one count of murder, relating to the death of Constable Racagi, who was on duty between February 21 and 22 in Lami.

During proceedings, Salawai’s lawyer, Tobia Ravuniwa, told the court they were seeking three orders.

They are uncut CCTV footage from Shop N Save, Thirsty Liquor, Lami Market, Lami Town Council, and the Telecom office, all currently in the possession of Police.

Mr Ravuniwa told the court while his client had informed Police of his whereabouts on the night of the incident, officers had only shown him a short segment of the video.

He added that the State’s case was based on circumstantial evidence, with the accused allegedly being the last people seen in the area.

The lawyer said Salawai had admitted to loitering around Lami Market in the early hours selling cigarettes to grog drinkers and that the only link to the case was his statement that he saw nine officers in the area that night.

Justice Goundar questioned how the CCTV footage would assist in preparing the alibi notice, suggesting the defence may be attempting to pre-empt the case.

Ravuniwa also raised procedural issues, noting another case against his client for possession of illicit drugs before Resident Magistrate Yogesh Prasad.

He said Salawai was released 48 hours after a reconstruction exercise, but was rearrested the same day and cautioned for three days before the murder charge was laid. He sought to have the matters consolidated.

The defence further claimed that a buccal swab was conducted without informed consent. While DNA results are pending, they are seeking full statements from DNA witnesses due to public interest.

Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions principal legal officer Sadaf Shameem told the court the State’s case relied on circumstantial evidence, with the accused allegedly the last people seen in the area.

She said an eyewitness saw Constable Racagi flashing a torchlight at Salawai that Saturday evening and that the officer later died from fatal drowning.

Justice Goundar questioned aspects of the State’s case, noting Constable Racagi was a trained police officer in his 20s and would likely have resisted.

“I haven’t seen a case like this,” he said.

The State has until March 26 to file information and disclosures. The case was adjourned to March 27. Both accused further remanded.