The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions says they are unaware of any consultations with the police in Labasa and has not sanctioned any charges against the bus driver.
We have also received confirmation that the serious assault charge laid against the driver was withdrawn before he appeared in court.
Police had said in a statement yesterday that the bus driver has been charged with one count of failure to give name and address and one count of serious assault.
The statement said that the charges were sanctioned following consultations with the Director of Public Prosecutions Office in Labasa.
Police had said that the officer who was seen assaulting a bus driver in Labasa has been suspended following a directive given by Police Commissioner, Brigadier-General Sitiveni Qiliho while the driver has been charged.
They say further comments will be issued once the internal investigation is completed.
When questioned about the statement released by the DPP, Police Spokesperson Ana Naisoro says their earlier statement stands.
However she confirms that the driver was produced with only one count of giving false information.
Meanwhile the bus driver, Elvin Mani has been released on bail.
Mani’s lawyer Ami Kohli also told the court that they will be filing a case against the police officer for assault.
The case will be called again on July 26th.
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