A police constable who allegedly stole exhibits from the Nabua Police Station earlier this month claimed in the Suva Magistrates Court today that he was sworn at by the Suva Prison inmates on the first day he entered the prison compound.

Kaipati Bakoa appeared before Magistrate Yohan Liyange this morning charged with theft and interfering with evidence.

It is alleged that he had stolen the marijuana with two others.

DPP lawyer Lisiate Fotofili told the court that they do not have any objection to the bail with reasonable condition.

Magistrate Liyange then said that the earlier ground for objection of bail was that the police officer could interfere with witnesses.

However, Fotofili said that if they receive any information or report that Bakoa has interfered with the witnesses, they will have the bail revoked.

Bakoa’s lawyer Kalisito Maisamoa told the court that his client’s life is in danger as he was the one who had investigated most of the inmates who are in prison now.

The magistrate then asked Bakoa whether any threat was made to him in prison.

Bakoa alleged that he was threatened by the inmates on the very first day and that he had thick salt and flies in his food.

The magistrate has ordered additional security for Bakoa in prison while he will make a ruling on the bail on the 25th of June.


Story by: Praneeta Prakash