Four suspended police officers have been remanded in custody after the Suva Magistrates Court this afternoon denied their bail application in connection with an alleged assault that reportedly took place in August 2024.

Sevanaia Sedra, Ponipate Domolailai, Kurt Yee and Jonathan Whippy appeared before Senior Magistrate Sufia Hamza.

The officers are jointly charged with one count of acts intended to cause grievous harm, while Sedra faces an additional charge of theft.

It is alleged that the officers questioned Joeli Ledua for allegedly causing trouble at a barbecue stall on the morning of 25 August 2024, after which the alleged assault occurred.

It is alleged Sedra stole the victim’s personal belongings which include a Samsung A35 phone, Adidas Jacket and $200.

Defence counsel sought bail, arguing that the accused were first-time offenders, had cooperated with investigators, had no influence over prosecution witnesses, and were willing to comply with strict bail conditions, including curfew.

The State opposed bail, submitting that the accused were police officers and that their release could pose a risk to witnesses, particularly because of their positions in law enforcement.

State Counsel Naazish Ali argued that the allegations were serious and that the accused, as police officers, were responsible for upholding the law and protecting the public.

After considering submissions from both parties, the court denied bail and remanded all four accused in custody.

The charges were laid after the investigation file was returned by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions with advice to proceed with formal charges.

All four officers have been suspended pending the outcome of the court proceedings.

The matter has been transferred to the High Court and will be called on the 28th of this month.