Six police officers charged over Mock’s death

Six police officers charged with the death of Richard Mock were remanded as the case heads to the High Court in Lautoka.

The accused persons appeared before Magistrate Jeremaia Savou at the Nadi Magistrate Court today.

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.

Mock was a 35-year-old mechanic of Nadi.

Second accused Abdul Saiban, 57, a retired officer, is charged with one count of accessory after the fact to manslaughter.

It is alleged Saiban had assisted Kumar and Fenton Thaggard, knowing they were involved in an offence against Mock, to enable them to escape punishment.

The remaining four accused persons, 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, who is on an island for duty, is expected to be appear on a manslaughter charge.

The matter was adjourned to April 14.

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