Accused individuals are entitled to have their charges resolved within a reasonable timeframe. This remark was made by Suva Magistrate Krishan Prasad to FICAC prosecutor Mary Takinana concerning delays in finalizing pre-trial conference matters related to former acting commissioner of the Fiji Corrections Service, Salote Panapasa.
Ms. Panapasa faces 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 of the same year to support home renovations without justifying the use of the materials. She also faces an alternative charge of general dishonesty causing a loss.
During a hearing on Monday, Magistrate Prasad noted that the agreed facts regarding the pre-trial conference had not yet been submitted as per court instructions. In response, Ms. Takinana expressed regret for not coordinating with the defense, explaining that the officer managing the case was out of the country and that she would oversee it temporarily. She then proposed holding the pre-trial conference at the end of October.
Magistrate Prasad responded, stating, “I can accommodate you, but the end of October is too far away. These matters must be addressed urgently. Every accused person has the right to have their charges resolved within a reasonable timeframe.”
Both parties have been instructed to convene for the pre-trial conference at the FICAC office in Suva on October 28, and the agreed facts must be filed by November 11.