Individuals facing accusations are entitled to have their cases resolved in a timely manner. This statement was made by Suva Magistrate Krishan Prasad to FICAC prosecutor Mary Takinana earlier this week, in relation to the delays surrounding the pre-trial conference issues concerning former acting commissioner of the Fiji Corrections Service, Salote Panapasa.
Ms. Panapasa has been charged with two counts of abuse of office for allegedly diverting construction materials intended for official projects to her residence in Kinoya, Nasinu, between August and October of the previous year. Additionally, she is accused of modifying a weekly report in August to facilitate renovations at her home without proper justification for the use of the materials.
Ms. Panapasa is also facing an alternative charge of general dishonesty resulting in a loss. On Monday, Magistrate Prasad informed Ms. Takinana that the agreed facts for the pre-trial conference had not yet been submitted in line with court requirements.
Ms. Takinana apologized for the oversight, explaining that the officer responsible for the case was currently abroad and that she would be handling it in the interim. She then requested to schedule the pre-trial conference for the end of October.
Magistrate Prasad emphasized the need for urgency, stating that while he could allow time for the request, the end of October was too far off. He reiterated that it is crucial for such matters to be resolved promptly, underscoring that every accused individual has the right to a timely resolution of charges.
Both parties are directed to convene for the pre-trial conference at the FICAC office in Suva on October 28, with the agreed facts set to be filed by November 11.