FORMER Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) acting commissioner Salote Panapasa has denied using FCS funds or staff welfare money to construct a fence at her Kinoya residence in Nasinu.
Facing two counts of abuse of office and an alternative count of general dishonesty causing a loss, she is alleged to have redirected FCS building materials to her home between August and October 2023.
Testifying before Magistrate Charles Ratakele, Ms Panapasa stated the materials were leftover items from an FCS project rather than specific purchases.
She explained that after receiving security information, Maika Ciqo from the emergency control unit verbally recommended erecting the fence, though no official residence relocation or personal security detail was offered.
She confirmed contributing $10 fortnightly to the FCS staff welfare and sports fund, which covers staff welfare and FCS projects, but rejected allegations that welfare funds financed the fence.
She also noted providing documents to the Constitutional Offices Commission regarding legal advisor Filipe Bainivalu’s complaint and denied instructing anyone to alter weekly security reports, asserting she followed internal audit advice to retrieve original records.
Magistrate Ratakele will deliver his judgment on November 16.
