15 Oct 2018

Death of Fiji man allegedly assaulted by police classified as murder

1:48 pm on 15 October 2018

The death of a 26-year-old man who was allegedly assaulted by police officers in Suva last month has been classified as murder.

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Photo: RNZI/Johnny Blades

FBC News reported this followed a post mortem examination of the victim, Josua Lalauvaki.

Officers from the Criminal Investigations Department continue to gather witness statements to establish how many officers may have been involved.

The CID was directed by the police commissioner, Brigadier General Sitiveni Qiliho, to investigate the case last week.

The victim was allegedly assaulted while police were responding to a reported disturbance outside a nightclub on 2 September.

FBC News reported the police chief extended his condolences to the victim's family and made assurances a thorough investigation will be conducted.

He said the Fiji Police Force had no place for officers who abuse their authority and said he would not hesitate to remove anyone found to be doing so.