Resident Magistrate Krishnan Prasad expressed frustration at the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) during a court session today regarding the delay in the case of suspended Commissioner of Fiji Corrections Service, Salote Panapasa.
FICAC Counsel Mary Takinana requested additional time to prepare for a Pre Trial Corruption for Agreed Facts, announcing that she would take over as the officer in charge of the case. In response, Magistrate Prasad emphasized the importance of promptly addressing the case, highlighting the right of any accused individual to have their matter heard in a timely manner.
He mandated FICAC to hold a Pre Trial Conference on October 28 at 11 am. Panapasa, who has been charged by FICAC, appeared in the Suva Magistrates Court earlier today. She is facing two counts of abuse of office, as well as an alternative charge of general dishonesty resulting in a loss. The hearing has been postponed until November 11 for the presentation of Agreed Facts and to establish a date for the hearing.