A mother could not hold back her tears today as she gave evidence in the trial against eight police officers charged with the alleged murder of her son Tevita Malesebe.

DPP Lawyer Wilisoni Kurusaqila opened the case and called Malasebe's mother Anisa Salivolini as his first witness.

Salivolini told the High Court how at midnight June 25th, 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. Salivolini said when they got to the Police Station after about an hour they were told that Malasebe had not been brought in.

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, Eronimo Susunikoro, 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 this hour.