PM’s former bodyguard still at large

SUVA – The Fiji police say they have made no progress in tracking down a former member of the military who is on bail and wanted in relation to the beating of two prison escapees.

Four people who have been charged in connection with the 2012 beating appeared in court this week where they applied for bail. Pita Matairavula, the fifth suspect, is yet to be arrested.

He was granted bail earlier this year following another court case in which he was among nine people charged with the manslaughter and rape of a man while he was in police custody.

Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro said: “We’re still continuing our search for him as we speak. There has been no progress so far but there hasn’t been any changes in the momentum as we search for him. ”

Naisoro says Matairavula, who was the Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama’s personal security guard, is not getting any special protection.

- RNZI