Former Fisheries and Forestry Minister Kalaveti Ravu will have to wait until next year for the outcome of his legal situation. Ravu is facing charges alongside former Regional Manager North, Tekata Toaisi, who pleaded not guilty today to accusations of aiding and abetting.
The two appeared before Magistrate Jeremaia Savou this morning in the Suva Magistrates Court. Toaisi’s not guilty plea was made regarding one count of aiding and abetting abuse of office charges.
FICAC Counsel Lavenia Ravuikadavu informed the court that there were no admissions made during the caution interview. Ravu’s lawyer, Lavi Rokoika, stated she is prepared for trial, while Toaisi’s lawyer, Joji Cakau, also expressed readiness and requested an early trial date.
Additionally, FICAC has three more documents to disclose to the defense lawyers, and Ravuikadavu indicated that FICAC intends to call 16 or more witnesses for this case.
The court announced that the trial is set to commence in February next year. Ravu faces a charge of abuse of office, allegedly for interfering in a Ministry of Forestry investigation regarding the illegal trade of banned species of beche-de-mer between July 25 and August 31, 2023. It is alleged that Toaisi assisted and supported Ravu in committing this offense.
The case has been adjourned until the 19th of next month for a pre-trial conference.