POSITION OF SPECIAL CONSTABLES
Defence lawyer Joseph Daurewa submitted in the Suva Magistrates Court yesterday that Special Constables were not regarded as Police officers. Mr Daurewa quoted a 1983 case in the Fiji Court of Appeal where the appellant Parshu Ram had his appeal allowed and conviction set aside on the basis that Special Constables cannot be regarded as a member of the Fiji Police Force.
Mr Daurewa represented former Fiji 7s rep Isake Katonibau before Magistrate Liyanage Wickramasekara. Katonibau is charged with one count of serious assault. It is alleged that on June 17, 2018 at about 4am the accused was involved in a brawl along Carnavon Street when he allegedly punched Special Constable 2923 Peni Verekauta, 36, who was trying to stop the fight.
Mr Daurewa made a bail application and gave an oral submission. He told the court that Katonibau was vying for a position in the Fiji 7s team for the World Cup 7s held in San Francisco next month whereby he will need time to train and be on trial for the squad beforehand.
Mr Daurewa also told the court that Katonibau was the sole breadwinner of his family and looked after his elderly retired parents.
He informed the court that Katonibau is a Lieutenant with the Republic of Fiji Military Forces. Police prosecutor Corporal Raymond Filipe had requested for more time and will make his submissions today. The accused has been further remanded in custody and will appear before Magistrate Wickramasekara today.