Two police officers who were found guilty in 2021 for improperly photographing a relative of former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama were recommended a reprimand rather than dismissal, according to recent court testimony. Tribunal officer Anil Prasad provided evidence in the High Court in Suva regarding the disciplinary proceedings against Sergeant Penieli Ratei and Constable Tomasi Naulu.
The case centers on allegations that Bainimarama exerted undue pressure on then Acting Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu to terminate the two officers or resign if he did not comply. Prasad noted that while five officers were involved in the proceedings, Ratei and Naulu were the only ones found guilty—Ratei for taking a photograph of Jonecani Bainimarama’s taxi license plate during a probe into drug allegations, and Naulu for sharing that image in a group chat intended for COVID-19 operations.
Prasad clarified that he did not recommend dismissal because the officers were acting under orders from superiors. In a notable aspect of the case, Deputy Director of Human Resources, Jovilisi Leweniqila, testified that the officers were given an unusually short deadline to respond to a show-cause letter—three days instead of the typical 14 days—without justification from Qiliho.
This ongoing trial has broader implications, as it highlights the issues of authority and accountability within Fiji’s public service system. Observers have expressed hope that the proceedings will reinforce principles of ethical governance and transparency in government operations. The trial is a significant opportunity to address these pivotal issues, with many looking forward to a resolution that upholds justice and integrity in public service.
The trial is expected to continue, providing an important platform for evaluating the standards of governance in Fiji and addressing the rights of civil servants within the public sector.
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