Former Fisheries and Forestry Minister Kalaveti Ravu will have to wait until next year to learn the outcome of his case. Ravu faces charges along with former Regional Manager North, Tekata Toaisi, who pleaded ‘not guilty’ today to allegations of aiding and abetting.
The pair appeared this morning before Magistrate Jeremaia Savou at the Suva Magistrates Court, where Toaisi denied one count of aiding and abetting abuse of office.
FICAC Counsel Lavenia Ravuikadavu informed the court that there were no admissions made during the caution interview. Ravu’s lawyer, Lavi Rokoika, stated that she is prepared for trial, and Toaisi’s attorney, Joji Cakau, also expressed readiness and requested an early trial date.
Additionally, FICAC has three more documents to provide to the defense lawyers, and Ravuikadavu noted that FICAC plans to call 16 or more witnesses in this case. The court announced that the trial is set to begin in February of next year.
Ravu is charged with one count of abuse of office, accused of interfering in a legitimate Ministry of Forestry investigation into the illegal trade of banned species of beche-de-mer between July 25 and August 31, 2023. It is claimed that Toaisi assisted Ravu in this offense while he was employed with the Ministry.
The case is scheduled for a pre-trial conference on the 19th of next month.