Resident Magistrate Krishnan Prasad criticized the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) in court today for the delay in the case involving suspended Commissioner of the Fiji Corrections Service, Salote Panapasa.
FICAC Counsel Mary Takinana requested additional time to hold a Pre-Trial Conference for Agreed Facts, informing the court that she would be taking over the case. However, Magistrate Prasad emphasized the importance of resolving the case promptly, asserting that any accused individual has the right to a timely court process.
He ordered FICAC to schedule a Pre-Trial Conference on October 28 at 11 am. Panapasa has been charged by FICAC and appeared in Suva Magistrates Court earlier today. She faces two counts of abuse of office and one alternative count of general dishonesty leading to a financial loss. The case has been postponed until November 11 for the discussion of Agreed Facts and to set a hearing date.