Salote Panapasa, the Assistant Commissioner of the Fiji Correction Service, appeared in the Suva Magistrates Court today, where she pleaded not guilty to the charges filed against her by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC).
During the proceedings, FICAC Counsel Marry Takinana, who is now handling the case, informed the court that the pre-trial conference has yet to take place and requested additional time. Magistrate Krishan Prasad responded by stating that the departure of a prosecution lawyer should not be cited as a reason for delay. He emphasized the need for urgency in addressing the case, underlining the accused’s constitutional rights.
Panapasa faces two counts of abuse of office, along with an alternative charge of general dishonesty causing a loss. It is alleged that between August 1 and September 30, 2023, while serving as a civil servant in Suva, she directed her officers to use building materials from the Fiji Correction Service for her private residence in Kinoya. Additionally, it is claimed that between August 1 and October 31, 2023, she instructed Corrections officers to modify weekly reports to justify the utilization of these materials for her home.
The case has been adjourned to October 28, when agreed facts will be filed, and a date for the hearing will be set.