The Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu has directed the Criminal Investigations Department to investigate an allegation of assault and corrupt practices involving a number of officers.
Police say a report was received of the alleged incident whereby the officers had allegedly assaulted and threatened a 33-year old businessman in Valelevu yesterday.
They say it is further alleged that the officers demanded the payment of a large sum of money in order to secure his release.
Tudravu has directed the officers be sent on leave without pay, stressing that while still allegations, such claims further erode efforts of rebuilding trust and confidence in policing, that are often difficult to recover from.
The Commissioner stresses adequate warnings have been issued, and officers will face the consequences of their actions, if they fail to uphold the integrity of policing and their oath to serve and protect.
