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 charged with unlawful possession of illicit drugs.
He 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 Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions confirms there were 5 witnesses, and 3 did not show up.
A bench warrant was issued against them.
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.
When asked on the challenges being faced by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Office says generally, in any trial, the State relies on prosecution witnesses to present its case.
It says challenges arise when witnesses fail to attend court, which can significantly affect the outcome of a case.
The ODPP says despite these challenges, the State remains committed to ensuring witnesses are summoned on time and conducts witness conferences before trial to help facilitate the effective presentation of evidence.
When questioned on the concerning issue of the members of the Fiji Police Force not showing up in court to give evidence in Khan's trial, Police confirm the 3 were interdicted by Police Commissioner, Rusiate Tudravu with Internal Affairs directed to investigate their non-attendance.
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.
