The two police officers issued with bench warrants for failing to attend a court trial for a case of Unlawful Possession of Illicit Drugs involving Imran Khan, had presented themselves to the Nasinu Magistrates Court today.
Police say during the proceedings, both officers provided explanations for their non-appearance, and the Resident Magistrate has accepted the explanations and cancelled their bench warrants and directed the State to have Khan recharged as soon as possible.
The third bench warrant issued against the civilian staff of the Fiji Police Force remains active, until she is produced before the Cmcourt.
Commissioner of Police, Rusiate Tudravu has accepted all criticisms made against the organisation resulting in the initial discharge of the accused, adding Internal Affairs will continue to pursue internal disciplinary measures, to ensure officers are held accountable for their actions.
Commissioner Tudravu says the officers’ failure to discharge their lawful duties and the lack of respect for the court of law, further erodes public trust, harming efforts of rebuilding trust and confidence between Police and the public.
He adds the Fiji Police Force is continuously addressing shortfalls in service delivery through training and lectures, ensuring redress mechanisms through Internal Affairs Unit are responsive to the concerns about poor service delivery and conduct of members of the Fiji Police Force.
The three members of the Fiji Police Force, that included 2 Police officers and a civilian staff, did not appear as prosecution witnesses on Saturday in the trial of Imran Khan also known as King Khan, which resulted in Khan getting discharged by Nasinu Magistrate Krishan Prasad.
Khan was allegedly found in possession of 3.49 grams of methamphetamine in Nasinu in 2021.
The court dismissed the matter as the prosecution witnesses failed to appear despite being summoned to court.
The ODPP says in this matter, the discharge does not bar the State from re-laying the charges against Khan.
The Office says it has communicated with the prosecution witnesses and is reviewing the matter to re-charge the accused.
Khan was handed a prison sentence of 4 years and 3 months last week after being convicted of unlawful possession of illicit drugs.
He was found with 4.1364 grams of methamphetamine in Suva on 7th February 2023.
