The police and the military should always work together, they should never work against each other.
Those are the comments of Acting RFMF Commander, Rear Admiral Viliame Naupoto after claims by former Police Commissioner, Ben Groenewald that there was alleged interference in policing by the military.
Groenewald has told Pacific Beat that his departure is indirectly linked to interference in policing.
Rear Admiral Naupoto says police and the military should always look after the security and safety of the people of Fiji.
A government statement says for personal and family reasons, Groenewald has submitted written notification for an early release from his contractual appointment as the Commissioner of the Fiji Police Force with effect from Tuesday.
Following advice from the Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama as the Chair of the Constitutional Offices Commission, President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau has appointed Colonel Sitiveni Qiliho as the Acting Commissioner of the Fiji Police Force with effect from yesterday for a period of three months or when a substantive appointment is made to the position of the Commissioner of the Fiji Police Force.
The government confirms that a draft advertisement for the position of the Commissioner of Police has been circulated to the members of the Constitutional Offices Commission.
Upon finalisation of the advertisement, the position will be advertised.
Groenewald had told Fijivillage on Monday that he was going to meet the Minister for Defence, Timoci Natuva to explain why the three police officers charged in relation to the Iowane Benedito assault case were suspended without pay.
He later confirmed that the meeting did not take place on Monday and he would meet the Minister on Tuesday.
Groenewald says he will not say anything further on matters highlighted in his interview.
