News
Witness for Ravu/Toisi case leaves for overseas employment
Posted by Media Team 21 January 2025
A prosecution witness in the case against former Minister for Fisheries and Forestry, Kalaveti Ravu and the Ministry’s former Regional Manager Northern Tekata Toisi has left the country for employment overseas.
This was revealed this morning by Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) State Counsel Lavenia Ravuikadavu in the Suva Magistrates Court.
Ms Ravuikadavu says the Prosecution was only made aware of the same this morning and that the witness is now working in Noumea, New Caledonia.
As a result, the Prosecution will be making a formal application for the witness’s evidence to be conducted via Skype.
The matter was called before Resident Magistrate Jeremaia Savou today for Mention to check on the Pre-Trial Conference before the hearing.
Ms Ravuikadavu also informed the Court that the Prosecution has served the Agreed Facts and Agreed Documents to both the Defence.
The counsel’s for the two accused, Ms Lavi Rokoika and Mr Joji Cakau sought time to go through the documents with their respective clients before signing and filing by Close of Business today.
The Court also took note that an application has been filed by the former Minister in relation to the charges against him.
Magistrate Savou enquired whether the application has been served to the Prosecution and Ms Ravuikadavu confirms receiving the same on Friday 17 January 2025.
Ms Ravuikadavu informed the Court that the Prosecution will be objecting to the application and sought time to file her response to the Motion.
Magistrate Savou directed the Prosecution to file its response to the 1st accused’s Pre-Trial Motion by close of business tomorrow (Tuesday 22 January 2025) and have a copy served to Mr Ravu’s counsel.
It is alleged that between 25th July 2023 and 31 August 2023, Mr Ravu interfered in the lawful process of a Ministry of Fisheries investigation into the illegal trade of banned species of beche-de-mer.
It is alleged that Mr Toaisi, while employed with the Ministry, aided and abetted the former Minister in committing the offence of abuse of office.
The matter has been adjourned to Thursday 23 January 2025 for Hearing on the Motion and Mention for the Pre-Trial Conference.
Bail has been extended for both accused.