Tuiteci appears on assault charges

Senior Officer at the Prime Minister's Office and Military Officer, Captain Seremaia Tuiteci appeared in the Suva Magistrates Court this afternoon, charged with one count each of resisting arrest and assaulting a police officer.

It is alleged that on April 4th Tuiteci resisted arrest and allegedly assaulted Corporal Robert Hill, who was trying to arrest him.
 
However, no plea was taken and Tuiteci informed Magistrate Josaia Waqavolavola that his legal counsel was engaged in another matter and could not make it to court. He said he had to consult his lawyer before taking a plea.

Tuiteci also told the court that he had ruptured ribs and needed to rest before he could appear in court again. He did not say how he suffered the injury. Tuiteci was released on $500 bail and warned not to interfere with witnesses.

The Police Prosecutor then requested Magistrate Waqavolavola to order that Tuiteci surrender all his travel documents. This was denied.

Magistrate Waqavolavola said Tuiteci is the Director for Developmental Cooperation and Facilitation at the Prime Minister’s office and has to travel to fulfill his duties.

The Case was adjourned to May 7th.