The State has filed an application in the Nadi Magistrates Court to secure the evidence of Fiji Airways’ outgoing managing director and CEO, Andre Viljoen, before he leaves the country. The move is tied to a high-profile case involving former attorney-general Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, former Fiji Airways executive Shaenaz Voss, Fiji Airways general manager of Safety, Security and Quality Sharun Ali, and Fiji Airlines trading as Fiji Link.
According to the Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions, Laisani Tabuakoro, Viljoen is due to depart Fiji for Mauritius at the end of September and there is concern he might not return to testify. The application seeks to have Viljoen’s evidence recorded in Fiji prior to his departure, with the recording tentatively scheduled for September 2-4 if the court grants the request. The matter will be heard on August 22.
The accused in the broader case face a total of 66 charges arising under the Civil Aviation (Security) Act 1994, its accompanying Regulations, and the Crimes Act 2009. The allegations include unlawful carriage of a firearm on an aircraft, receiving or giving corrupt benefits, breach of trust as a public servant, abuse of office, and breaches of mandatory reporting and airline security protocols.
During the proceedings on the application, defence counsel for Voss and Sayed-Khaiyum indicated consent to the request for Viljoen’s evidence, while counsel for Ali and Fiji Link did not assent.
Background context from related proceedings shows the case has seen significant movement, including bail rulings in which the Magistrates Court granted non-cash bail of $10,000 for each accused, accompanied by passport surrender and stop-departure orders. It has also been noted that Sayed-Khaiyum’s passport is currently held by the Suva Magistrates Court.
Summary
– The State seeks to record the testimony of Andre Viljoen before he leaves Fiji.
– Viljoen departs for Mauritius at month’s end; recording would occur if approved, around September 2-4.
– The charges against the group total 66 and involve aviation security, corruption, and related offences.
– The defence for some defendants has signaled support for the request; others have not.
– The case continues to unfold, with prior bail and witness-protection measures already in place.
Additional comments
– Securing Viljoen’s testimony before departure aims to preserve crucial evidence and help keep the case on track, reducing the risk of adverse travel or testimony delays affecting the prosecution.
– The ongoing proceedings highlight the intersection of aviation security, corporate governance, and public accountability within Fiji’s aviation sector.
If you’d like, I can add a brief explainer of the specific charges and what they could mean for the aviation sector, or draft a concise brief for readers summarizing the key players and timelines.
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