Resident Magistrate Krishnan Prasad expressed frustration with the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) during a court hearing today regarding the case of Salote Panapasa, the suspended Commissioner of Fiji Corrections Service. FICAC Counsel Mary Takinana requested additional time to prepare for a Pre Trial Conference on agreed facts, indicating that she would be taking over the case.
Magistrate Prasad insisted on the urgency of resolving the case, emphasizing that it is the right of any accused individual to have their matter addressed promptly. He ordered FICAC to hold a Pre Trial Conference on October 28 at 11 am.
Panapasa, who faced charges in the Suva Magistrates Court, is accused of two counts of abuse of office along with an alternative charge of general dishonesty resulting in a financial loss. The case has been rescheduled to November 11 for the presentation of agreed facts and to set a hearing date.