The case of former Fisheries and Forestry Minister Kalaveti Ravu and Tekata Toaisi, the ministry’s regional northern manager, has been postponed by the Magistrate’s Court. The court, presided over by Suva Magistrate Jeremaia Savou, was not in session yesterday, leading to the adjournment of all matters.
During a prior court appearance, Ravu requested permission to travel overseas as he is part of a delegation of six parliamentarians heading to China this month. The prosecution has been ordered to respond to Ravu’s request for the return of his travel documents.
Ravu faces allegations of interfering with a ministerial investigation concerning the suspected illegal trade of a banned species of beche-de-mer. Toaisi is charged with assisting Ravu in this act, which is said to have occurred between July and August of the previous year. The charges against them have been initiated by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption.
Ravu is represented by Lavi Rokoika, while Toaisi is represented by Joji Cakau. Both individuals, currently out on bail, are scheduled to appear in court again on Monday.