The Lautoka High Court has extended bail for the seven police officers charged in relation to the death of Richard Mock in February last year.
According to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, police officers Sonal Kumar and Fenton Thaggard are each charged with one count of manslaughter.
It is alleged that between the 16th and 17th of January 2025, the accused persons assaulted the victim, resulting in his death.
Retired police officer Abdul Saiban is charged with one count of being an accessory after the fact to manslaughter.
It is alleged that he assisted Sonal Kumar and Fenton Thaggard, knowing that they were involved in the commission of an offence against the victim, with the intention of enabling them to escape punishment.
Police officers Owen Smith, Isireli Nagilolevu, Ratu Peni Masara Ranamu and Ratu Filimoni Yawayawa are each charged with one count of manslaughter arising from a breach of duty.
It is alleged that they failed to exercise due care and attention in the course of their duties, which led to the victim’s death.
The State had earlier filed the information and disclosures, following which the accused persons pleaded not guilty.
The matter has been adjourned to the 22nd of October for a pre-trial conference and for the State to prepare and finalise the pre-trial documentation before the hearing.
