State seeks more time in Nasinu police assault case

Five police officers accused of assaulting, robbing and wrongfully confining a Nasinu businessman will return to court next month after the State sought more time to finalise agreed facts in the case.

Semiji Puamau, Elizabeth Sautu, Koroi Lakokilepanoni, Bernard Vukivuki and Timoci Belo appeared before Justice Usaia Ratuvili at the High Court in Suva today without their lawyer.

They each face four counts of assault, theft, wrongful confinement and possession of $4,000 allegedly believed to be proceeds of crime.

It is alleged that between July 21 and 22 last year, the five accused assaulted Aman Ram, stole $15,000 from him and wrongfully confined him.

State prosecutor Triveshni Sharma told the court the prosecution was in the process of finalising the agreed facts and required an additional 21 days. She confirmed the State would also rely on the accused persons’ caution interviews.

The matter has been adjourned to April 20 for a further pre-trial conference. Bail has been extended for all accused.