The Suva Magistrate’s Court has established a trial date for the case involving former Acting Fiji Corrections Service Commissioner Salote Panapasa. During her appearance before Magistrate Krishan Prasad, Panapasa faced two charges of abuse of office, with an alternative accusation of general dishonesty that allegedly resulted in a financial loss.
The accusations claim that between August 1 and September 30, 2023, Panapasa, while serving as a civil servant in Suva, directed officers to use building materials belonging to the Fiji Corrections Service for renovations on her private residence in Kinoya. Furthermore, it is alleged that she instructed a Corrections officer to modify weekly reports to justify the use of these materials for her home between August 1 and October 31, 2023.
The court was set to review the agreed-upon facts of the case, but Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) lawyer Mary Takinana noted that Panapasa’s legal team had only consented to two basic facts: her identity and her position, while disputing the remainder of FICAC’s claims. Consequently, both parties agreed to schedule the trial for June 23 to 27 of the following year, while her bail was extended.
This case highlights the importance of transparency and accountability within public service positions. As the trial approaches, it will be critical for the judicial process to unfold fairly, contributing to the integrity of governance in Fiji. The positive hope lies in the fact that no matter the outcome, it serves as a reminder of the principles of justice and the rule of law.
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