A police officer and a soldier who are charged with allegedly unlawfully and indecently assaulting Iowane Benedito in November 2012, are also facing charges in relation to the death of Vilikesa Soko.
Police officer, Jona Davonu and soldier, Pita Matairavula are appearing in the Lautoka High Court today.
The Director of Public Prosecutions Christopher Pryde had earlier decided to charge eight police officers and one military officer in relation to the death of Vilikesa Soko.
Soko died in police custody in August 2014.
The DPP said Manasa Talala, Seruvi Caqusau, Kelevi Sewatu, Penaia Drauna, Filise Vere, Viliame Vereivalu, Jona Davonu, Pita Matairavula and Senitiki Natakasavu are to be jointly charged with the Manslaughter of Vilikesa Soko and with Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm to Senijieli Boila.
The decision has also been made to charge these same men with an alternative count of rape.
Manasa Talala and Viliame Vereivalu are charged with Perverting the Course of Justice by instructing other police officers to make false statements in regard to this investigation.
Meanwhile three police officers and a soldier charged with unlawfully and indecently assaulting Iowane Benedito in November 2012 have been further remanded in custody by Nasinu Magistrate Charles Ratakele.
This is in relation to the video brutality case.
The police officers are Sanita Laqenasici, Jona Davonu and Semesa Naduka while Filimone Catimaibulu is from the RFMF.
Pita Matairavula whose whereabouts was unknown until today, will be produced in court once he has been located.
Stay with us for developments.
