Court Denies Rasova’s No-Case Bid in Parliamentary Allowances Case

The Suva Magistrates Court has determined that former Member of Parliament Simione Rokomalo Rasova must answer to charges of providing false information and unlawfully obtaining over $21,000 in parliamentary allowances. Rasova faces one count of giving false information to a public servant and another for obtaining a financial advantage.

The allegations date back to February 14, 2019, when Rasova supposedly misled the then Acting Secretary-General to Parliament, Viniana Namosimalua, by claiming that his permanent residence was in Nabouwalu Village, Ono, Kadavu. It is asserted that Rasova was aware this claim was untrue and that it facilitated the approval of allowances he was not entitled to receive.

Further, between July 1, 2019, and April 30, 2020, he allegedly acquired $21,350 in subsistence and travel allowances by asserting that he resided more than 30 kilometers away from Parliament, when in fact his actual address was on Waimanu Road in Suva, which is located less than 30 kilometers from Parliament.

Rasova has pleaded not guilty to both charges. During the seven-day trial completed in April 2024, his defense counsel submitted a no case to answer argument, contending that the prosecution did not establish a prima facie case. This was contested by the State counsel, who argued that the evidence presented supported all aspects of both charges.

In a ruling issued today, Magistrate Pulekeria Low explained the criteria for a no case to answer submission, emphasizing the court’s responsibility to evaluate whether there is enough evidence for a reasonable tribunal to deliver a conviction if the evidence were accepted as valid. After a thorough examination, Magistrate Low concluded that there was sufficient and admissible evidence linking Rasova to all components of the charges.

Rasova now has 28 days to file an appeal against this ruling. Despite the serious nature of the allegations, the case being brought forward reflects a commitment to accountability within public office and justice for financial misconduct.