Former prime minister Voreqe Bainimarama allegedly pressured then-acting Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu to dismiss two officers or resign, the court heard on Monday.
Prosecutors say Bainimarama made an unwarranted demand that Tudravu terminate Sergeant Penieli Ratei and Police Constable Tomasi Naulu. Bainimarama faces one count of making an unwarranted demand by a public official. Former Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho faces two counts of abuse of office, accused of overriding Tudravu’s disciplinary decisions and unlawfully terminating the officers.
Director of Criminal Investigations Serupepeli Neiko told the court that Jonacani Bainimarama, the late brother of the former prime minister, acted as a drug informant and was arrested but not charged during a 2021 marijuana transport case. Neiko said he had authority over drug charges and that Jonacani’s statement was recorded under Tudravu’s direction. Neiko agreed with defence concerns that identifying informants can expose them to risk, underscoring standard police practice to protect source confidentiality.
Senior CID officer Suli Colati described search warrants executed to obtain official documents, including materials related to the appointments and contracts of Qiliho and Tudravu, which the prosecution has relied on in building its case.
The prosecution indicated it will call Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu as its final witness.
Context and next steps
– Bainimarama and Qiliho have previously pleaded not guilty to their respective charges.
– The matter has been scheduled for a trial previously set to run from June 2 to July 11, 2025, with pre-trial procedures noted in earlier hearings.
– Defence and prosecution have been exchanging evidence and witnesses; the court process will determine whether the alleged directions and disciplinary reversals constituted criminal conduct.
Commentary and explanation
– The testimony about an informant highlights two intersecting issues in the case: alleged improper use of political influence over police employment decisions, and legitimate concerns about protecting confidential informants in criminal investigations.
– Recording a statement under the direction of the acting commissioner suggests adherence to internal procedures for handling informant material, but the disclosure of the informant’s role in open court raises safety considerations.
Suggestions for readers and editors
– Watch for Tudravu’s testimony, which the prosecution has flagged as its final witness; his account will be central to determining whether there was improper pressure and who made the disciplinary decisions.
– Trial documents such as the search-warrant returns, appointment contracts, and the recorded informant statement may shed further light on chain-of-command decisions and the procedural context of the alleged dismissals.
Hopeful perspective
– While the allegations are serious, full judicial scrutiny and transparent presentation of evidence in court can reinforce accountability. A fair trial and clear findings could strengthen institutional integrity and public confidence in governance and policing practices.
Short summary
Court proceedings revealed allegations that Voreqe Bainimarama pressured acting Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu to sack two officers or step down; Sitiveni Qiliho is accused of overriding Tudravu’s disciplinary action to terminate those officers. CID evidence included testimony about a family member acting as a drug informant and documentation seized under search warrants. The prosecution will call Tudravu as its final witness.
Leave a comment