Mother demands justice as no charges laid in son’s death

A grieving mother is demanding answers after no charges were laid against Namaka Police officers allegedly involved in her son’s death.
Seraphine Mock claims she was told by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) that two police officers confessed and evidence was now with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).

“All we want is justice. We need closure because of the state that I saw my son in,” she said.

“I cannot understand why cases in­volving police officers take longer than others. The investigation into the death of police officer Peniasi was fast.”

The case file for her son, Richard Mock, was first submitted to the ODPP in May last year for independent re­view and sanctioning of charges, but has since moved repeatedly between CID and prosecutors.

Ms Mock said her lawyer was con­tacted by the ODPP last month, con­firming the file had been reviewed and returned to CID for clarification and final investigations.

The 35-year-old’s body was found in a vacant lot in Nasau, Nadi, on January 16, 2025, with what his mother claims were visible injuries suggesting foul play.

Police officers were allegedly the last people seen with him while he was in custody.

Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudra­vu said earlier this year that the force’s role was limited to investiga­tion, while decisions to prosecute rest­ed with the ODPP.

He said police remained committed to transparency and accountability.

Acting Director of Public Prosecutions Nancy Tikoisuva told this masthead today: “We have completed our analysis and we have returned the file back to Director CID for them to consider the recommendations we have made and take further action.”