Seven officers further remanded over Richard Mock’s death

Seven police officers charged in relation to the death of Richard Mock were further remanded this morning by the High Court in Lautoka.

Six of the accused appeared before Justice Sekonaia Vodokisolomone, while the seventh accused, Fenton Thaggard, appeared before Justice Sunil Sharma.

All seven face charges linked to the death of Mock, a 35‑year‑old mechanic from Nadi.

The first accused, Sonal Kumar, 33, faces one count of manslaughter. The court heard that between January 16 and 17 last year, in the Western Division, Kumar allegedly assaulted Mock, causing his death.

The second accused, Abdul Saiban, 57, a retired officer, is charged with one count of being an accessory after the fact to manslaughter. It is alleged that Saiban assisted Kumar and Thaggard, knowing they were involved in an offence against Mock, by helping them evade punishment.

The remaining four accused — Owen Smith, 22; Isikeli Nagilolevu, 24; Ratu Peni Ranamu, 25; and Ratu Filimoni Yawayawa, 26 — are jointly charged with one count of manslaughter arising from an alleged breach of duty.

Thaggard is also charged with one count of manslaughter. The court heard that he, together with another officer, allegedly assaulted Mock, resulting in his death.

Justice Sharma transferred Thaggard’s case to Justice Vodokisolomone. The matter was adjourned to April 17 for mention.

The State prosecution was given time to respond to a bail application.