17 Oct 2015

Investigation into Fiji Police Commissioner dropped

2:58 pm on 17 October 2015

Fiji's director of public prosecutions has dropped an investigation into the country's police commissioner, saying there is no substance to the complaint made against him.

Fiji Police Commissioner Ben Groenewald appointed in May 2014

Fiji Police Commissioner Ben Groenewald Photo: RNZI/ Sally Round

Ben Groenewald was accused of obstructing a police investigation after he released a South African diplomat without charge following a fatal car crash this month.

Mr Groenwald has cited the Vienna Convention for his actions, which gives diplomats complete immunity from arrest, detention and police questioning.

The director of public prosecutions, Christopher Pryde, agreed, saying it is clear the police commissioner acted appropriately and professionally and there is no evidence of any criminal wrongdoing.

The South Africa High Commission in Fiji says it has reported the matter to Pretoria for consideration, which could see immunity waived or the matter pursued in South Africa.