Resident Magistrate Krishnan Prasad criticized the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) in court today for the delays surrounding the case of suspended Fiji Corrections Service Commissioner Salote Panapasa.
FICAC Counsel Mary Takinana sought additional time for a Pre Trial Corruption for Agreed Facts and announced her new role as the officer in charge of the case. However, Magistrate Prasad emphasized the necessity for an urgent resolution, asserting that timely proceedings are a right of any accused individual.
He mandated that FICAC hold a Pre Trial Conference on October 28 at 11 am. Panapasa, who has been charged by FICAC, appeared in the Suva Magistrates Court earlier today. She faces two counts of abuse of office and an alternative count of general dishonesty leading to a loss.
The case has been adjourned to November 11 for the presentation of Agreed Facts and to set a hearing date.