Resident Magistrate Krishnan Prasad expressed frustration towards the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) during a court session today regarding the delay in the case of suspended Fiji Corrections Service Commissioner, Salote Panapasa. FICAC Counsel Mary Takinana requested additional time to prepare for a Pre-Trial Corruption for Agreed Facts, indicating she would be taking over as the new officer in charge of the case.
Magistrate Prasad emphasized the importance of addressing the case swiftly, highlighting the rights of any accused individual to a timely court appearance. He mandated that FICAC arrange a Pre-Trial Conference on October 28 at 11 am.
Panapasa faced charges brought by FICAC and appeared in the Suva Magistrates Court earlier today. She has been charged with two counts of abuse of office, in addition to an alternative charge of general dishonesty resulting in a loss. The case has been postponed until November 11, when the court will address the Agreed Facts and set a hearing date.