Accused individuals are entitled to have their charges addressed within a reasonable timeframe. This was emphasized by Suva Magistrate Krishan Prasad earlier this week while discussing the delay in resolving pre-trial conference issues involving Salote Panapasa, the former acting commissioner of the Fiji Corrections Service.
Panapasa faces two counts of abuse of office for allegedly diverting building materials intended for official projects to her residence in Kinoya, Nasinu, between August and October of the previous year. She is also accused of modifying a weekly report in August to use the materials for home renovations without proper justification. Additionally, there is a charge of general dishonesty causing a loss.
Magistrate Prasad remarked that the agreed-upon facts for the pre-trial conference had not yet been submitted as per the court’s instructions. Prosecutor Mary Takinana apologized for the delay, explaining that the officer responsible for the case was overseas, and she would temporarily manage it. She proposed conducting the pre-trial conference at the end of October.
However, Magistrate Prasad indicated that this timeframe was too lengthy, stressing the need for urgency in resolving such matters. He reiterated the right of any accused person to have their charges settled within a reasonable period.
Both parties have been instructed to meet for the pre-trial conference at the FICAC office in Suva on October 28, with the agreed facts required to be submitted by November 11.