Divisional Crime Officer Iferemi Savou, along with his colleague Corporal Samuela Dakuitoga and businessman Bharat Jogia, made their initial appearance in the Suva Magistrate’s Court for a retrial following a High Court order. The trio is being retried for charges related to bribery and abuse of office stemming from a case originally filed by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) in 2016.
The High Court’s decision comes after FICAC successfully appealed a previous ruling, which had resulted in the trio receiving suspended sentences of 18 months. Justice Thushara Rajasinghe ordered that the earlier judgment be nullified, necessitating a fresh trial. The case has attracted significant attention due to the serious nature of the allegations, which include bribery offenses that are critical in upholding ethical standards within both law enforcement and business sectors.
During the court session, the matter was adjourned since the acting chief magistrate was unavailable to issue further directions. Currently, all three men remain on bail, with the next court date set for August 13.
This situation underscores the ongoing commitment by FICAC to combat corruption and ensure accountability in Fiji’s public service. The repeated legal proceedings reflect a proactive effort to maintain a transparent and legally sound judicial process, and they highlight the importance of integrity in governance. Legal experts suggest that the retrial will not only provide an opportunity for the accused to present their case in light of fresh judicial scrutiny but also bolster public trust in the legal system’s ability to deliver justice.
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