The mother of 27 year old prisoner Iowane Benedito, who is currently serving his prison sentence for escaping from the Suva Corrections Centre in November last year, has lodged an official police complaint against the members of the arresting team who allegedly assaulted Benedito during his arrest.
Viriseini Vakarau and her daughter Maresela Kalokalosere lodged the complaint on behalf of the family at the Police Headquarters at Laucala Beach at around midday yesterday.
Vakarau said she wants justice as Benedito was already restrained and was still badly beaten up.
Vakarau earlier confirmed that her son was one of the handcuffed men who was allegedly assaulted by the arresting team which included police officers.
She said she identified her son lying in the tray of the truck during his arrest which was also part of the video that was leaked in early March.
The 42 year old mother, who had a stroke in 2005, said she has taken the case further as there has been no significant development since March.
She said she knows that her son had done something wrong but she is calling on authorities to take the right step to ensure that everyone involved are held accountable for their actions.
We asked her about the comments made by the Fiji Corrections Services that Benedito is being allowed visitations like any other inmate but he has not been visited by anyone.
Vakarau maintained that she was stopped by Correction Officers from March to May.
She said now that the Fiji Corrections Services is saying that Benedito is being allowed visitation, she is planning to visit her son next week.
Police spokesperson, Ana Naisoro confirmed that they received the complaint earlier yesterday afternoon.
Story by: Watisoni Butabua
