The Director of Public Prosecutions, Christopher Pryde has decided to file additional charges against police and military officers involved in the Vilikesa Soko death in custody matter following a review of the case.
Police officers Manasa Talala, Seruvi Caqusau, Kelevi Sewatu, Penaia Drauna, Filise Vere, Viliame Vereivalu, Jona Davonu, Senitiki Natakasavu and soldier Pita Matairavula will now also face the additional charges of attempted rape and sexual assault.
The charges are attempted rape and sexual assault of Senijieli Boila and sexual assault of Vilikesa Soko.
Due to the serious nature of the additional counts and concerns regarding possible interference in the prosecution case, the DPP has also decided to make an application to the court to revoke the bail for all accused persons.
Christopher Pryde says the application to have the court revoke bail was based on the additional counts making the overall criminality more serious.
He says he is also extremely concerned that a number of these accused officers have been reinstated to the Police Force after they had been suspended as this represents a real risk of interference with the State’s case.
Pryde says it is unacceptable for police officers charged with indictable offences to remain active in their positions while the matter is proceeding through the courts.
He says they have no choice but to seek to have these officers’ bail revoked so that they may be remanded in custody for the duration of the proceedings in order to protect the integrity of the prosecution case.
Meanwhile Manasa Talala and Viliame Vereivalu are also charged with defeating the course of justice by instructing other police officers to make false statements.
Acting Police Commissioner Brigadier General Sitiveni Qiliho says he will not make any comments on the issues raised by the DPP.
