The Suva Magistrate’s Court has scheduled a trial date for former Acting Fiji Corrections Service Commissioner Salote Panapasa. She appeared before Magistrate Krishan Prasad on Thursday, facing two counts of abuse of office and an alternative charge of general dishonesty resulting in a loss.
The allegations against Panapasa assert that between August 1 and September 30, 2023, while serving as a civil servant in Suva, she instructed officers to use building materials from the Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) for her private residence in Kinoya. Additionally, it is claimed that during the timeframe of August 1 to October 31, 2023, she directed a Corrections officer to modify weekly reports to justify this usage of building materials for her home.
Although the hearing was expected to discuss agreed-upon facts, FICAC lawyer Mary Takinana revealed that Panapasa’s legal team only conceded two facts: her name and her position. The other details presented by FICAC are contested. Consequently, the court set a trial date for June 23 to 27, next year, and extended her bail.
This case serves as an important reminder of the accountability expected of public officials. As the trial approaches, it will be crucial for the legal proceedings to be transparent and thorough to ensure justice is served.
This situation also highlights the ongoing efforts by anti-corruption agencies, such as FICAC, to maintain integrity within public service—an essential aspect of fostering public trust and confidence in government institutions.
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