Commissioner of Police, Rusiate Tudravu has directed an investigation into an alleged case of giving false information in relation to the claims of police brutality in Nausori.
On the 5th of February this year, a complaint was lodged alleging officers based at the Nausori Police Station had assaulted a man when attending to a report of drinking in a public place.
The complainant also alleged that his mobile phone was damaged during the incident.
The Commissioner then directed the Internal Affairs headquarters division to investigate the allegations made against the Police officers.
Commissioner Tudravu says Internal Affairs investigations found the allegations of assault to be inconsistent with the statements and evidence gathered.
The investigators gathered statements from four civilians, all of whom stated that the complainant was not assaulted, and that he was intoxicated.
Tudravu says the independent civilian statements had contradicted the allegations of assault.
Two members of the complainant’s family also stated that they did not witness any assault.
CCTV footage obtained from where the supposed assault took place, also ruled out the allegations made.
The medical examination report showed minor injuries that were however inconsistent with any assault.
Following the incident, the complainant was charged with drinking in public place and resisting arrest, and now could possibly face an additional charge of giving false information.
Commissioner Tudravu has directed the Internal Affairs Unit to investigate further, the lines of giving false information, following the internal investigation findings.
Tudravu says while he respects everyone's rights to the freedom of expression and speech, members of the public must not forget their obligation to ensure that it is based on facts.
He warns that once a criminal breach is apparent, police will step in.
He adds social media is becoming increasingly toxic and some think they can say whatever they want without any consequence.
Tudravu says they will step in if a line has been crossed.
He stresses there is a lot of misinformation and disinformation in circulation, and we need to put a stop to it, as digital violence also harms, impacting real lives and families.
