Former Fisheries and Forestry Minister Kalaveti Ravu will have to wait until next year to learn the outcome of his case. Ravu is facing charges alongside former Regional Manager North, Tekata Toaisi, who today pleaded ‘not guilty’ to allegations of aiding and abetting.
Ravu and Toaisi appeared in Suva Magistrates Court before Magistrate Jeremaia Savou this morning. Toaisi entered a not guilty plea to a charge of aiding and abetting abuse of office.
FICAC Counsel Lavenia Ravuikadavu informed the court that there had been no admissions made during the caution interview. Ravu’s attorney, Lavi Rokoika, announced that she is prepared for trial, while Toaisi’s lawyer, Joji Cakau, expressed his readiness and sought an early trial date.
Additionally, FICAC still has three documents pending disclosure to the defense teams. It was revealed that FICAC intends to call 16 or more witnesses in this case. The court has scheduled the trial to commence in February of next year.
Ravu faces one count of abuse of office, with allegations stating that between July 25, 2023, and August 31, 2023, he interfered in a lawful Ministry of Forestry investigation regarding the illegal trade of banned beche-de-mer species. It is claimed that Toaisi, while working for the Ministry, aided and abetted Ravu in this alleged offense.
The court has adjourned the matter until next month for a pre-trial conference on the 19th.