6 Namaka Police officers charged in relation to Mock's death

Six police officers based at the Namaka Police Station in January 2025 have been formally charged in relation to the death of Richard Mock.

It is alleged that Mock died in police custody in February last year and a group of officers at Namaka Police Station are alleged to have dumped his body in Nasau, Nadi after realising he was dead.

The laying of charges follows the receipt of independent legal advice from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution on Friday, March 27th.

Police say the first accused, aged 33, has been charged with one count of manslaughter, and the second accused, a 57-year-old who has since retired from the organisation, is charged with one count of accessory after the fact to manslaughter.

They say the remaining four accused persons, aged 22, 24, 25, and 26 years, have been jointly charged with one count of manslaughter arising from a breach of duty, and all accused persons will be appearing in the Nadi Magistrates Court today.

Police say arrangements are being made to return the seventh suspect, who was deployed for operations to one of the maritime islands, before the formal laying of charges.

The Fiji Police Force maintains its commitment to fostering positive community relations by acting ethically, hence the decision to send investigation files involving police officers to the ODPP for independent legal advice.