The trial against 8 Police Officers, who are charged with the alleged murder of Tevita Malasebe, had to be adjourned earlier this afternoon after the victim's mother broke down in court while giving evidence.

Anisa Sali-volini told the High Court how at midnight on June 25th, 2007 Police Officers from Valelevu led by one of the accused Lole Vulaca came to her house in search of Malasebe.

She said Vulaca had told her that they just wanted to take him to the Valelevu Police Station for a quick discussion and assured her that they would bring Malasabe right back in a short while. She recalled that as soon as Malasabe stepped out of the house, he was handcuffed and taken away by the Police. She said Vulaca had remained at her house and said that he would catch up with the others to ensure they do not assault Malasebe.

The witness said she was not convinced with their explanation and with her two other sons, made their way to Valelevu Police Station. Sali-volini says when they got to the Police Station after about an hour, they were told that Malasebe had not been brought in. She claimed she could hear noices from the CID interrogation room but they were not allowed to go near.

She said after waiting for two hours and not being able to get any answers they returned home. Salivolini then told the court that she received a call the next morning where someone advised her to go to the CWM hospital where her son had been taken.

She said she arrived there only to be told that her son is dead.

In his opening submission Kurusaqila highlighted that they would show the court how Malasebe was taken into Valelevu Police Station by the accused in relation to offences he had committed and how his lifeless body was carried out from the crime office and taken to CWM, where he was pronounced dead.

The accused who are all police officers - Lole Vulaca, Waisale Boletawa, Maika Rauqera, Rusiate Kuruvusere, Jone Cama, Ero-nimo Susu-nikoro, Eramasi Naraga are charged with murder while Pita Matai is charged with accessory to murder.

The case continues before High Court Judge, Justice Nazhat Shameem.