Former Police Officer and murder accused, Selema Tikoenaburevere has told the Suva High Court that Josua Lalauvaki had punched him twice on the night he was arrested.
It is alleged that 26-year-old Lalauvaki was murdered by former officers, Kelepi Kolinisau and Tikoenaburevere while they were on duty on 2nd September last year.
Tikoenaburevere told the court that this happened as he was escorting Lalauvaki and another male suspect into the charge room at Totogo Police Station with Kolinisau.
Tikoenaburevere told High Court Judge Justice Vinsent Perera that while heading towards the charge room, Kolinisau was walking behind the other male suspect who suddenly turned around and punched him on his nose.
Tikoenaburevere says as Kolinisau fell to the ground, Lalauvaki turned him around by the shoulder and punched him on the head.
He says he then held Lalauvaki by his shirt and told him not to punch as he was at the Police Station.
Tikoenaburevere went on to say that he then saw ASP Rusiate Tudravu Ryland between Kolinisau and the male suspect.
He says at this time he felt that someone fell behind him and when he turned to see, it was Lalauvaki lying on the ground.
The trial continues before Justice Perera.
