News

Former School Manager Convicted in School Grant Funds Case

Posted by Media Team 1 July2026

Former Nakorotubu District School Manager, Kelevi Salauca, has been convicted by the Tavua Magistrates Court for one count of Obtaining Financial Advantage.

Mr Salauca was convicted on 29 June 2026 after Resident Magistrate Timoci Qalinauci found that the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt.

The charge related to four cheques totalling $3,700, which were signed and cashed from the school’s Free Education Grant account between 1 and 31 December 2017.

During trial, FICAC led evidence that Mr Salauca did not comply with the approved procedures for the withdrawal and use of Free Education Grant funds, including the requirement to obtain prior approval from the School Management Committee.

The Court accepted that a separate fifth cheque was used for the purchase of a new brush cutter and the repair of an existing school-owned brush cutter. However, the Court found that Mr Salauca failed to produce receipts or other supporting documents to account for the remaining withdrawals.

The Court further found that Mr Salauca failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for the unaccounted funds and convicted him accordingly.

The matter has been adjourned to 22 July 2026 for sentencing.

Any appeal against conviction must be filed within 28 days from the date of judgement.

Mr Salauca was represented by Ms Shahenoor Ali of the Legal Aid Commission.

The prosecution was conducted by FICAC Counsel Ms Lavenia Ravuikadavu and Mr Immanuel Turaga.