Three Fiji police officers will appear in court on Friday after being charged with the alleged murder of one of their own earlier this year.
Fiji’s Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) confirmed on Thursday that it had sanctioned charges against the three men in relation to the death of Constable Peniasi Racagi.
Racagi’s body was discovered floating at sea off a beach in Lami town, located approximately 15 minutes west of the capital Suva.
Racagi, 24, was based at the Lami Police Station.
The Fiji Police Force confirmed elements of foul play following a post-mortem and a homicide investigation was launched.
“The Acting Director of Public Prosecutions has sanctioned charges against three police officers in relation to the death of Lami Police Constable Peniasi Racagi,” the ODPP statement said.
The three officers have been jointly charged with murder contrary to Section 237 of Fiji’s Crimes Act.
“It is alleged that the three police officers murdered Constable Peniasi Racagi in February this year following an altercation,” the ODPP statement said.
In a statement, Fiji Police said that based on the ODPP’s advice, Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu has directed the formal laying of charges against the three police officers.
The three men will be produced at the Suva Magistrates Court today.