Police officer charged for theft and aiding family in receiving stolen property

A police officer has been charged for stealing and allegedly using her authority to aid the commission of an offence committed by her family members with regards to the receiving of stolen property.

Police say the accused, who is based at the Lautoka Police Station is alleged to have given false information during the conduct of an investigation in to the use of two dishonoured cheques used to purchase assorted electronic items from two outlets in 2024 and in January.

They say the items were found at the Police officer’s home whereby her husband and son were taken in for questioning.

Police say upon further investigation, a phone that was purchased with the use of a dishonoured check was allegedly being used by the Police officer, which she later reported as missing. The Police officer faces one count of giving false information to a public officer while her husband and 16-year-old son face two counts each of receiving stolen property.

In a separate case, the Police officer is also alleged to have during the month of December 2024 stolen a phone that was being kept as lost and found property.

Police say during the course of investigation, it was revealed that there was no official entry made regarding the phone when it was brought in for safe-keeping by a member of the public.

They say the officer faces an additional count of abuse of office with regards to the second case.

She will appear in the Lautoka Magistrates Court while her husband and son will appear in the Nadi Magistrates Court.

The sanctioning of charges were authorised by the Office of the Director Public Prosecutions.

Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu has reiterated his stance on ensuring officers who breach the law and ethics of service are held accountable.

He says the warning has been cascaded down to the very junior officer, and if one chooses to breach the ethics and laws that govern their work, then they should stand ready to face the consequences as the integrity of the policing profession must never be compromised through actions that erode public trust and confidence.

They add the Fiji Police Force as per due process, will ensure the thorough conduct of all investigations against members of the organisation, with independent legal advice sought from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for the sanctioning of charges.