Former fisheries minister Kalaveti Ravu and regional fisheries manager Tekata Toaisi were acquitted of charges of abuse of office by the Suva Magistrate’s Court. The verdict was delivered by Magistrate Jeremaia Savou, who found both men not guilty of the allegations brought against them.
Mr. Ravu had faced accusations of interfering with a ministerial investigation related to the illicit trade of a banned species of beche-de-mer, which took place between July and August 2023. Mr. Toaisi was charged with aiding Mr. Ravu in this alleged misconduct. The case had initially been dismissed on February 28, 2025, when a defense application for a no-case-to-answer was granted. However, after the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) took over the case from the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) and successfully appealed the ruling, the case was reopened.
In his ruling, Magistrate Savou stated that the prosecution failed to prove the necessary elements of the charges beyond a reasonable doubt, notably emphasizing that Mr. Ravu did not hold a position as a civil servant, which played a significant role in the decision.
The ODPP has 28 days to file an appeal if they choose to pursue further action. This case highlights the ongoing challenges in addressing issues of corruption and governance within the region, and the court’s ruling underscores the importance of due process and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
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