A police officer accused of murdering Joseua Lalauvaki told the High Court in Suva that a senior officer witnessed all the events that unfolded early on September 2 last year.
Selema Tikoenaburevere said everything happened in front of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Rusiate Ryland.
Mr Tikoenaburevere and Kelepi Duri Tautaumacala Kolinisau are charged with the murder of Lalauvaki after an altercation on the day in question. Lalauvaki died at the CWM Hospital on October 11. Mr Tikoenaburevere said he had assisted Lalauvaki disembark a police vehicle at Totogo Police Station.
He said he escorted Lalauvaki to the charge room while Mr Kolinsau escorted Tomasi, a friend of the deceased.
He said in the process Tomasi suddenly turned and punched Mr Kolinsau, causing him to drop on the floor.
He said Lalauvaki pulled him by his right shoulder and threw two punches on his head when he tried to assist Mr Kolinisau.
He said he told Lalauvaki not to throw punches since he was at a police station.
He said at one point, ASP Ryland came between him and Lalauvaki who was bleeding from his nose.
He said he reported the assault of Mr Kolinsau by Tomasi to ASP Ryland but the senior officer told him to wait for the arresting officers to arrive so they could lodge their report first.
