News

Court Rules Former FCS Acting Commissioner Has Case to Answer

Posted by Media Team 25 September 2026

The Suva Magistrates Court has ruled that former Acting Commissioner of the Fiji Corrections Service (FCS), Ms Salote Panapasa, has a case to answer in relation to corruption-related offences.

The ruling was delivered today by Resident Magistrate Charles Ratakele following Ms Panapasa’s No-Case-To-Answer application seeking the dismissal of charges brought against her by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC).

Ms Panapasa faces two counts of Abuse of Office and an alternative count of General Dishonesty – Causing a Loss.

The charges relate to allegations that between August and October 2023, while serving as Acting Commissioner, Ms Panapasa instructed FCS officers to use building materials and labour for work at her private residence in Kinoya without following the required procedures.

It is further alleged that she instructed FCS officers to amend August 2023 weekly corporate reports to include information purportedly justifying the use of FCS resources at her residence.

In dismissing the No-Case-To-Answer application, RM Ratakele stated that the Court was satisfied that a prima facie case had been established based on relevant and admissible evidence.

The Court noted evidence from FCS officers that Ms Panapasa had issued verbal instructions for FCS materials and labour to be used at her residence, and that no formal requisitions or payments had been processed.

The Court also noted evidence that, following a Ministry of Finance audit, previously filed corporate reports were amended to create a paper trail purportedly justifying the use of State resources.

RM Ratakele emphasised that the ruling was limited to determining whether a prima facie case had been established and did not constitute a finding of guilt.

The Court has invited the defence to indicate how it intends to proceed in answering to the charges.