Late Josua Lalauvaki

As the murder trial of 26-year- old Josua Lalauvaki continued in the High court today, a defense witness admitted that the evidence she gave in court differs from her statement to the police.

Kelepi Kolinisau and Selema Tikoenaburevere face one count each of murder.

It’s alleged the two officers assaulted 26-year-old Lalauvaki outside a nightclub in Suva on September 2nd, last year.

Lalauvaki later died at Suva’s CWM hospital on October 11th as a result of injuries he sustained from the alleged assault.

Defense witness, Jokaveti Rabuku said she was on patrol on that day when she was called in to assist with a situation with two females.

She said when she got in the police operation vehicle, there were five occupants at the back tray of the vehicle which included, Josua Lalauvaki, his girlfriend, her sister, and her boyfriend.

Rabuku said the women were swearing at the police officers when she got in.

She said she then got off the vehicle to assist another officer control a fight outside a nightclub on Butt Street in Suva.

She said after controlling the fight, she made her way to the Totogo Police station.

She said the police operation vehicle was just pulling in at the Totogo Police station when she reached.

She said she assisted another officer to disembark the two women.

Rabuku said she did not see the former police officer, Selema Tikoenaburevere assault anyone.

However, when the prosecution cross-examined her, she admitted that her evidence in court today differs from her statement to the police on 15th October.

She admitted she would not have known if Kelepi Kolinisau and Selema Tikoenaburevere did anything.

The trial continues this hour.