The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions has sanctioned charges against five police officers for their alleged involvement in an assault and extortion case against a Nasinu businessman last week.
Police say they have all been charged with one count of assault causing actual bodily harm.
They say that four of the officers face an additional charge of theft and wrongful confinement.
Police say two officers face a third count of possession of property suspected of being proceeds of crime.
All five officers will appear in the Suva Magistrates Court today.
Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu has emphasized the transparent procedures followed when investigating police officers after an official complaint is lodged.
He says that independent legal advice is always sought from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Commissioner Tudravu reaffirmed the Police Force’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption, stressing that any officer found engaging in such misconduct will be subjected to a full investigation and held accountable in a court of law.
He says that corrupt practices undermine public trust and confidence, and will not be tolerated within the organization.
Police say all five officers are on interdiction.
