FORMER Fiji Corrections Service commissioner Iferemi Vasu and acting deputy FCS commissioner Peniasi Kunatuba who are both facing abuse of office charges had their bail extended by the High Court in Suva.
The duo appeared before Justice Riyaz Hamza today charged with a count each of abuse of office.
It is alleged that between July 11, 2013 and December 23, 2014, Mr Vasu while being employed in the public service as the Commissioner Fiji Corrections Service(FCS) and as a Director of Naboro Mart Limited, in abuse of the authority of his office, did arbitrary acts for the purpose of gain, namely facilitating and approving the purchasing of goods in the amount of $131,683.33 from the Naboro Mart Limited.
Mr Kunatuba is alleged to have between January 31, 2013, and March 7, 2014, while being employed in the public service as the Director Corporate Service and acting Deputy Commissioner of the Fiji Corrections Service, in abuse of the authority of his office, did arbitrary acts for the purpose of gain, namely facilitating and approving the purchasing of goods in the amount of $54,734.65 from the Naboro Mart Limited.
It is alleged that both men’s offences were contrary to the Procurement Regulations 2010 of the Financial Management Act 2004 and the Finance Manual of the Fiji Corrections Service, which were acts prejudicial to the rights of the Fiji Government, Fiji Corrections Service and the Approved Government Contractors.
Fiji Independent Commission against Corruption (FICAC) lawyer Francis Puleiwai informed the court that they would be filing additional documents and the list of amended witnesses for trial.
Justice Hamza set the trial to be heard from October 14 to November 8 this year.
The case has been adjourned to October 11, for final pre-trial conference.
