Police Commissioner

Earlier Lemalu Herman Retzlaff engaged two lawyers to prosecute the Director of Public Prosecutions, who faces charges of dangerous driving, and Commissioner Fuiavailili Egon Keil, on charges including perjury, unlawful detention, providing false statements and disorderly conduct.

According to RNZ, the government said for reasons of fairness and equality, it was important an objective view was sought for the cases.

However in a statement the NPO said prosecution powers under the Constitution have not been delegated.

RNZ reports Fuiavailili Egon Keil is facing one charge each of perjury, unlawful detention, providing false statements, and disorderly conduct.

The charges were laid following an inquiry over a complaint about an unlawful arrest during a police drug raid at the Fugalei market last year.

Fuiavailili Egon Keil's lawyer said the National Prosecution Office which brought charges against him, has not served the charges and trial documents to the defense.

“They’re basically going through their teething phase. You know when a newborn child first gets their fever and they take it to the hospital and they say its teething problems. That’s exactly what these two are going into,” said Prime Minister Tuilaepa.

“So there’s nothing big about it,” said Tuilaepa.

The suspension with pay is for an initial period of three months, whilst charges filed against Fuiavailiili undergo standard judicial process, and is effective immediately. 

A Cabinet statement said the suspension is in line with standard procedures to ensure fair and independent review and resolution of his case.

The duties and responsibilities of the Commissioner of Police will be rotated every month amongst Assistant Commissioners - Afamasaga Michael Soonalole, Fauono Talalelei Tapu and Samoa Mulinuu Mulinuu, beginning with Afamasaga.

A report has been lodged alleging the Commissioner of Police, Ben Groenewald had obstructed a police investigation involving a foreign diplomat.

ACP Brown said the investigators are continuing with their work and more details will be released at a later date.

Fijivillage has received confirmation that the report against the Police Commissioner was filed by a member of the public after the accident at Edinburgh Drive on Friday night.