TWO former Post Fiji executives have been jailed by the High Court in Suva yesterday while an arrest warrant is out for another who was not present during the trial.
Former managing director Tevita Peni Mau, 67, and former acting managing director Dhirendra Pratap, 57, were sentenced to nine months and six months respectively while former chairman Mahendra Patel,74, who is overseas was sentenced to one year in jail.
Patel was convicted of abuse of office for extending Mau’s contract without the board’s approval.
Mau was convicted of extortion by public officer for accepting the promise of compensation and a gratuity payment to which he was not entitled.
Pratap was jailed for giving false information to the Finance Ministry.
An arrest warrant has also been issued for Patel as he was tried in absentia. Patel is currently overseas and will be arrested as soon as he enters Fiji.
Justice Prabaharan Kumararatnam in his sentencing said during the trial it was revealed that Patel had surreptitiously extended Mau’s contract by a letter on June 29, 2006.
“This is about one year prior to the expiry of Mau’s existing contract.
“As per term one of the contract of Mau, he had the right to renew the contract for a further three years upon similar terms and conditions and upon giving notice of renewal of not less than three months before the expiry of his contract,” said Justice Kumararatnam.
He said the contract was extended without the board’s knowledge and this led to Mau receiving more than four months compensation for the balance of his contract when he exited from Post Fiji early.
“Due to the despotic act of Patel, Mau received two years and four months compensation which he is not entitled for.
“Further the extension of the contract was kept a secret until the cheque was given to Mau.”
Justice Kumararatnam said Mau asked for consideration for his long service when he resigned and was paid a gratuity payment which he was not entitled to.
He said Pratap who was acting managing director on April 19, 2007, gave false information to the Finance Ministry audit team when he said Mau’s payment was discussed and approved by the board.
Justice Kumararatnam said the matter was corruption-related and according to High Court rulings, those convicted of corruption warranted immediate jail terms.
FICAC prosecution have asked the court to call Patel’s case again on Wednesday so the issue of his bail bond of $2000 could be discussed.
