Salote Panapasa, Assistant Commissioner of the Fiji Correction Service, appeared in the Suva Magistrates Court today. She has pleaded not guilty to charges brought against her by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC).
During the hearing, FICAC Counsel Marry Takinana stated that the pre-trial conference has not yet taken place and requested additional time from the court. Magistrate Krishan Prasad responded by indicating that the departure of a prosecution lawyer should not be cited as a reason for delays. He emphasized the urgency of resolving the matter, noting that it is a constitutional right of the accused.
Panapasa faces two counts of abuse of office, along with an alternative charge of general dishonesty causing a loss. The allegations assert that between August 1 and September 30, 2023, while working as a civil servant in Suva, she directed officers to use building materials from the Fiji Correction Service for her personal residence in Kinoya.
Additionally, it is alleged that between August 1 and October 31, 2023, Panapasa ordered corrections officers to modify weekly reports to justify the use of the materials at her home.
The case has been postponed until October 28, when agreed facts will be filed, and a date for the hearing will be set.