Accused individuals have the right to have their charges resolved within a reasonable timeframe. This statement was made by Suva Magistrate Krishan Prasad earlier this week during a discussion with FICAC prosecutor, Mary Takinana, concerning delays in finalizing pre-trial conference matters related to Salote Panapasa, the former acting commissioner of the Fiji Corrections Service.
Ms. Panapasa faces two counts of abuse of office for allegedly misappropriating building 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 justify renovations at her home using these materials.
She also has an alternative charge of general dishonesty resulting in financial loss. During the proceedings, Magistrate Prasad pointed out to Ms. Takinana that the agreed-upon facts for the pre-trial conference had not yet been submitted as directed by the court.
Ms. Takinana expressed regret for the delay, explaining that the case’s officer in charge was out of the country, and she would be handling the matter in their absence. She requested that the pre-trial conference be scheduled for the end of October.
Magistrate Prasad responded that while he was willing to accommodate some time, the proposed end of October timeline was excessively lengthy. He emphasized the need for urgency in addressing these cases, reiterating the right of all accused individuals to have their charges resolved without undue delay.
Both parties have been instructed to convene for the pre-trial conference at the FICAC office in Suva on October 28, with agreed facts to be submitted by November 11.