The trial for former Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) Commissioner Ifereimi Vasu and acting deputy FCS Commissioner Peniasi Kunatuba on corruption-related charges has been set for July 1-26 in the High Court.

The two appeared before Justice Riyaz Hamza. They deny one charge of abuse of office each by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC).
It is alleged that between July 11, 2013, and December 23, 2014, while being employed as the Commissioner of Fiji Corrections Service and as a director of Naboro Mart Limited, Vasu, in abuse of the authority of his office, did arbitrary acts for the purpose of gain, namely facilitating and approving the purchase of goods to the amount of $131,683.33 from the Naboro Mart Limited.

It is alleged that between January 31, 2013 and March 7, 2014, at Suva, while being employed in the public service as the director corporate service and acting deputy Commissioner of the Fiji Corrections Service, Kunatuba, in abuse of the authority of his office, did arbitrary acts for the purpose of gain, namely facilitating and approving the purchase of goods to the amount of $54,734.65 from the Naboro Mart Limited.

Court papers said the alleged acts by the two were contrary to the Procurement Regulations 2010 of the Financial Management Act 2004 and the Finance Manual of the Fiji Corrections Service, which were act prejudicial to the rights of the Fiji Government, Fiji Corrections Service and approved Government contractors.

FICAC lawyer Rashmi Aslam confirmed with the court that the agreed facts and documents had been filed.
Defence lawyer Naomi Raikaci confirmed filing the agreed bundle of documents.
Justice Hamza adjourned the matter to May 27 for further pre-trial conference.

Edited by Epineri Vula