Fiji Correction Service Assistant Commissioner Senior Superintendent Salote Panapasa faced the Suva Magistrates Court today, where she entered a not guilty plea to charges brought against her by FICAC.
Counsel Marry Takinana, representing FICAC, requested additional time from the court, noting that the pre-trial conference had yet to take place. Magistrate Krishan Prasad emphasized that the departure of a prosecution lawyer should not serve as an excuse for delays. He highlighted the urgency of resolving the matter, reaffirming that the accused’s rights must be respected under the constitution.
Panapasa is facing two counts of abuse of office, along with an alternative charge of general dishonesty causing a loss. Allegations state that between August 1 and September 30, 2023, while serving as a civil servant in Suva, she directed officers to use building materials belonging to the Fiji Corrections Service for her personal residence in Kinoya. Additionally, it is claimed that from August 1 to October 31, 2023, she asked Corrections officers to modify weekly reports to justify the materials’ usage at her home.
The court has scheduled the next hearing for October 28, where agreed facts will be filed and a hearing date will be established.