A former court officer has been sentenced to 25 months in prison after being found guilty of providing false information to a Land Transport Officer (LTA) and mismanaging public funds. Isoa Matanitobua, 43, who is a legal practitioner based in Suva, was convicted earlier this year on multiple charges, which include giving misleading information to a public servant and engaging in general dishonesty that resulted in financial loss. These offenses occurred between 2015 and 2016.
During the court proceedings, the prosecution successfully demonstrated that Matanitobua, who was then the officer in charge of the Sigatoka Magistrate’s Court, had furnished false information to an LTA licensing officer without conducting the necessary searches. He also instructed staff to sign documents without adhering to proper procedures.
The court found that Matanitobua was aware that the information he provided was inaccurate and knowingly relied upon by the LTA to update the records of individuals such as Praveenesh Goundar, Vanavasa Limaivatu, Mohammed Shafeem, Sailosi Bara, and Misiwata Nakere regarding their Traffic Infringement Notices (TINs). This improper action led to the LTA issuing renewed driver’s licenses to these men, which they were not entitled to receive.
Additionally, evidence was presented that Matanitobua did not disclose $1,616.50 he had received from the individuals involved. Following his conviction, Matanitobua, who was admitted to the bar in 2022, has had his practicing certificate suspended.
The court determined that Matanitobua would serve the 25-month sentence concurrently for each count. This case highlights the importance of integrity within public service roles and the significant consequences that can arise from misconduct.
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