The decision to suspend the 12 police officers involved in the case of Sakiasi Ose Radravu will depend on the progress of the ongoing investigation.
This was highlighted by Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu while speaking to the media.
Responding to questions on whether the officers have been suspended, Tudravu says the suspension of police officers is the prerogative of the Police Commissioner and is not a legal requirement, but rather a practice.
He says the Police Act gives him the authority to suspend or interdict police officers, and he will exercise that power when the investigation reaches a stage where such action is necessary.
Tudravu says if the investigation reaches that stage, he will suspend the officers to protect the integrity of the investigation.
He says as previously stated, the case has been referred to the Resident Magistrate for investigation, which is currently underway.
The Police Commissioner says all police officers connected to the case will be interviewed as part of the investigation.
Police records from Valelevu Police Station confirm that Radravu was taken in for questioning on the night of April 23rd in relation to an alleged burglary case.
He was held in custody and later released.
Police also confirmed that, according to his family, no official report alleging assault was lodged following his arrest.
Police say his death has been linked to a pre-existing medical condition.
