Convicted Crime Officer Receives Suspended Sentence: What Happened?

Divisional Crime Officer (DCO) East, Ifereimi Savou, has received an 18-month sentence for his conviction on charges of abuse of office; however, this sentence has been suspended for two years. Alongside Savou, his colleague Samuela Dakuitoga and businessman Bharat Jogia were also charged by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) back in 2016 for their involvement in bribery and abuse of office cases.

The court found that in 2015, Savou authorized Jogia to cover Dakuitoga’s round-trip airfare to Labasa and his accommodation expenses in relation to an investigation into a complaint filed by Jogia. Dakuitoga and Jogia have each been found guilty of a single count of bribery, although Dakuitoga was acquitted on a second count.

Magistrate Jeremaia Savou stated that the arrangements made by Jogia to hasten his police complaint through financial support for Dakuitoga’s transportation and lodging did not lead to any criminal charges against the involved individual. The magistrate also pointed out a significant delay of eight years before these charges were brought to court, emphasizing the potential reputational harm to all three individuals, who are noted to have had good standing in the community.

Consequently, both Dakuitoga and Jogia have also received an imposed fine of $1,000. They are required to appear in court again on January 13 for a review of their payments.

This case highlights the ongoing challenges within law enforcement and the importance of maintaining integrity in public service roles. It serves as a reminder of the need for accountability and ethical conduct, ensuring that justice is upheld in all areas of society.

Summary: Former Divisional Crime Officer Ifereimi Savou was sentenced to 18 months for abuse of office, suspended for two years. He, along with Samuela Dakuitoga and Bharat Jogia, faced bribery charges related to an investigation. The court highlighted delays and reputational risks, resulting in fines for the accused. The case emphasizes the crucial role of integrity in public service.