The Magistrates Court is set to make a decision regarding the bail hearing for a couple facing charges related to corruption. The couple, Ledua Biuvuli Matai, a former employee of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), and his wife, Taucilagi Duri, were remanded in custody after their proposed sureties were deemed unacceptable by Resident Magistrate Sufia Hamza.

Matai is facing a charge of abuse of office for personal gain, while Duri is charged with aiding and abetting her husband in this offense. The allegations state that between November 2019 and June 2022, Matai, while serving as the Principal Accounts Officer for the RFMF, failed to disclose his personal interest in a business called Ink Escape Supplies. He subsequently added this business as an RFMF vendor and facilitated payments totaling $467,616.40 to it.

The court proceedings have been adjourned, with further discussions regarding acceptable sureties scheduled for this morning. Updates on the situation will be provided as they become available.

This case sheds light on the importance of transparency and accountability in public service roles. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of failing to uphold ethical standards, reinforcing the need for strict adherence to job responsibilities and regulations. The legal process will hopefully bring justice and clarity to the situation, ensuring that such violations are addressed appropriately.

Summary: A couple, Ledua Biuvuli Matai and Taucilagi Duri, faces corruption charges with a bail hearing approaching after their sureties were rejected. Matai is accused of abusing his office by facilitating significant payments to a business he did not disclose a personal interest in, while Duri is implicated in aiding his actions. Further developments are expected.