Fiji Correction Service Assistant Commissioner Senior Superintendent Salote Panapasa appeared in Suva Magistrates Court today, where she pleaded not guilty to charges brought against her by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC).
FICAC Counsel Marry Takinana, who has taken over the case, informed the court that a pre-trial conference has yet to occur and requested additional time for the proceedings. Magistrate Krishan Prasad responded that the departure of a prosecution lawyer should not serve as an excuse for delays, emphasizing the urgency of the matter and the constitutional rights of the accused.
Panapasa faces two counts of abuse of office and an alternative charge of general dishonesty resulting in a loss. It is alleged that between August 1 and September 30, 2023, while serving as a civil servant in Suva, she instructed officers to use building materials from the Fiji Correction Service for her private residence in Kinoya. Furthermore, between August 1 and October 31, 2023, she reportedly directed corrections officers to modify weekly reports to justify the use of these building materials at her home.
The case has been adjourned until October 28 for the submission of agreed facts and to schedule a hearing date.