A senior police officer has found himself embroiled in a bribery scandal tied to a $10,000 payment aimed at securing the release of three men who face murder charges in connection with the case of Afroz Khan. The accused—Edward Nand, Semi Naisevunivai, and Viliame Vulawalu—recently appeared in the High Court in Suva, where the serious nature of the allegations against them was detailed.
They are charged with kidnapping Khan and demanding ransom from his wife, instructing her to leave the money in a rubbish bin near Ratu Cakobau Park in Nausori. Reports indicate that violence ensued when the ransom was not paid, culminating in the assault on Khan followed by his tragic drowning in a river in Naitasiri between November 27 and December 27, 2024.
Prosecutor Unaisi Ratukalou has confirmed that an investigation into the bribery allegations is underway, with Nand as the complainant in the matter. Ratukalou has requested a 14-day period to delve deeper into how these bribery claims could impact the murder trial.
Justice Pita Bulamainaivalu is overseeing the proceedings, which have been adjourned until February 20. This incident underscores significant concerns regarding police integrity and emphasizes the imperative for thorough and transparent investigations to ensure justice for Khan and his grieving family. The commitment to addressing these serious matters could ultimately foster greater trust in the legal system and its processes.