The Suva Magistrate’s Court has confirmed a trial date for former Acting Commissioner of the Fiji Corrections Service, Salote Panapasa. She appeared before Magistrate Krishan Prasad on Thursday facing two counts of abuse of office, with an additional charge of general dishonesty leading to a financial loss.
According to the allegations, from August 1 to September 30, 2023, while employed as a civil servant in Suva, Panapasa allegedly directed officers to use building materials belonging to the Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) for personal construction on her private residence in Kinoya. Furthermore, it is claimed that she instructed Corrections officers to modify weekly reports to support the justification of these materials’ use at her home during the period from August 1 to October 31, 2023.
During the court proceedings, the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) lawyer, Mary Takinana, stated that only two facts were agreed upon with Panapasa’s defense team: Panapasa’s identity and her position. The remaining facts presented by FICAC were under dispute. Both parties have agreed on a trial date set between June 23 and June 27 of next year, and Panapasa’s bail has been extended.
This situation highlights ongoing efforts to ensure accountability within public service, emphasizing the importance of integrity in positions of authority. As the trial date approaches, it will serve as a significant test for the legal system’s commitment to justice and transparency.
In a hopeful note, this case could lead to a stronger framework within government agencies to prevent abuse of office in the future, fostering a culture of ethical conduct among civil servants.
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