The Suva Magistrate’s Court has scheduled a trial for Salote Panapasa, the former Acting Commissioner of the Fiji Corrections Service, who is facing serious allegations. During a court appearance before Magistrate Krishan Prasad, Panapasa faces two counts of abuse of office, alongside an alternative charge of general dishonesty leading to a loss.
The accusations claim that between August 1 and September 30, 2023, while serving as a civil servant in Suva, Panapasa allegedly directed officers to utilize building materials from the Fiji Corrections Service for renovations at her personal residence in Kinoya. Furthermore, she is accused of having instructed a corrections officer to modify weekly reports to validate the use of these materials for her private property during the period from August 1 to October 31, 2023.
Although the case was supposed to review agreed facts, FICAC lawyer Mary Takinana revealed that only two points were accepted by Panapasa’s defense — her name and her position—as the remaining facts presented by FICAC are contested. Both parties have agreed to a trial date set for June 23 to 27, 2024, and her bail has been extended.
This case highlights the importance of integrity in public service and the ongoing efforts by authorities to address and rectify misconduct. It reflects a broader commitment to accountability in governance, which can foster public trust moving forward. As the trial date approaches, it will be crucial to see how the legal process unfolds and what implications it may have for public officials in Fiji.
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