A couple facing charges related to corruption is awaiting a decision from the Magistrates Court on their bail hearing after being remanded in custody due to their inability to provide acceptable sureties. The couple, Ledua Biuvuli Matai, a former employee of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), and his wife, Taucilagi Duri, appeared in Suva’s Magistrates Court, where Resident Magistrate Sufia Hamza rejected their proposed sureties.
Matai is accused of abusing his position for personal gain, specifically regarding one count of abuse of office. Duri is charged with aiding and abetting her husband in this alleged misconduct. The accusations 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. Allegedly, he added this company as a vendor for the RFMF and processed payments totaling $467,616.40 to this business.
The case has been postponed for further discussion regarding acceptable sureties. Updates on the situation will follow as they develop.
This situation highlights the importance of accountability within public service roles, reminding us of the critical need for ethical standards to maintain public trust. As the legal proceedings continue, it may serve as an opportunity for greater awareness and improvement in governance practices.
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