A bus driver whose assault was captured in a video that was shared widely on Facebook has been charged with two different counts, including serious assault while the police officer in the same video has been suspended as investigations into the incident continue.
In a statement, Fiji Police said the driver had allegedly assaulted the officer as well and as such charged as per Section 277(a) of the Crimes Act 2009.
He was also charged with one count of failure to give name and address under Section 19 (1)(a) of the Criminal Procedure Act 2009, following consultations with the Director of Public Prosecutions Office in Labasa.
“Based on initial findings of an investigation conducted by the Internal Affairs Unit regarding the officer’s alleged conduct, the Police officer has been sent on leave awaiting the outcome of the investigations,” police said.
Authorities said it would not issue further updates until investigations are completed.
The incident happened at the Labasa Bus Station on Monday, 16 May.
