2026.8.3 FICAC to call four witnesses in Biman Prasad trial
Magistrate raises fairness concerns over disclosure
The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) will call four witnesses when the trial of former Deputy Prime Minister Professor Biman Prasad begins next week.
The case was mentioned before Resident Magistrate Yogesh Prasad yesterday, where FICAC confirmed it was ready to proceed with the trial.
Prasad is charged with one count of failing to comply with statutory disclosure requirements. He also faces an alternative charge of providing false information in a statutory declaration.
FICAC prosecutor Joseph Work told the court that summonses had already been served on the four witnesses. He said the witness list and bundle of documents would be provided to the defence by Wednesday.
Magistrate Prasad questioned why the witness list had not been disclosed earlier, saying it should have been shared in the interests of fairness before the trial.
Defence lawyer Richard Naidu also asked when the prosecution would provide the witness list and supporting documents.
Mr Work assured the court that both would be disclosed this week.
To avoid any last-minute issues, Magistrate Prasad ordered another pre-trial conference to be held on Friday before the trial begins next Monday.
The court also directed both parties to provide several key documents before the trial, including Professor Prasad’s declaration of assets and liabilities, records relating to his directorship in Platinum Hotels & Resorts Pte Limited, the relevant Government Gazette, the National Federation Party constitution, and an affidavit from Victor Lal.
The matter was adjourned to August 10, when the trial is expected to begin.
2026.8.3 Stepfather jailed six years for attempted rape of four-year-old stepson
Justice Daniel Goundar said the case involved a gross breach of trust, the child’s tender age and physical injury, placing it beyond what earlier sentencing tariff decisions had envisaged.
A High Court judge has signalled that sentences for attempted rape of young children may need to be tougher after jailing a 29-year-old stepfather for six years and six months for attempting to rape his partner’s four-year-old son.
The man was convicted after a trial of attempting to rape a child under the age of 13 while caring for the boy at the family home as his partner was in hospital.
The High Court in Suva considered the medical evidence of the injuries suffered by the child and the trauma caused by the offence.
Justice Daniel Goundar said the case involved a gross breach of trust, the child’s tender age and physical injury, placing it beyond what earlier sentencing tariff decisions had envisaged.
He set a starting point of eight years’ imprisonment, above the traditional range of 12 months to five years for attempted rape.
The offender was sentenced to six years and six months’ imprisonment, with a non-parole period of four years and six months.
The court also ordered the permanent suppression of the child’s identity and imposed an indefinite non-contact order against the offender, who has 30 days to appeal.
2026.8.3 20-year-old remanded over alleged murder of Nadi builder
Accused given 14 days to file alibi before High Court mention.
A 20-year-old man accused of murdering a 76-year-old builder in Nadi has been remanded in custody.
Vereti Tavisoro, a delivery driver from a settlement in Sabeto, appeared before Magistrate Talei Kean at the Nadi Magistrate Court yesterday.
He is charged with one count each of murder, burglary and theft.
The State was represented by Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions lawyer Brooke Navunicagi.
The charges relate to the death of 76-year-old Jafar Ali, who was found lying motionless in his room at an apartment in Nadi on July 27. The matter was reported to the Nadi Police Station the same day.
During the court appearance, Tavisoro told the court he wished to represent himself and expressed remorse.
Magistrate Kean informed him that the matter is indictable and advised that legal representation would be arranged for him.
The court granted the accused 14 days to file an alibi.
He was remanded in custody and the matter was transferred to the High Court for mention on August 17.
2026.8.3 Kamikamica acquitted after court rules no case to answer
Former Deputy Prime Minister released after prosecution case dismissed
Former Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica has been acquitted by the Suva Magistrate Court this afternoon.
The court ruled there was no case for him to answer.
Kamikamica had been charged with one count of perjury under Section 176(1) of the Crimes Act 2009. He also faced an alternative charge of providing false information to a public servant under Section 201(a) of the Act.
The court dismissed the charges, finding that the prosecution had not established a case requiring Kamikamica to enter a defence.
He was subsequently acquitted and released.
2026.8.3 Son who tried to burn father alive avoids jail
Judge cites rehabilitation, family reconciliation
A man who poured fuel inside his father’s home and threatened to burn him alive has walked free from the High Court in Suva after his three-year prison sentence was suspended.
Titoko Cabobula Nasema, 29, pleaded guilty to one count of attempted arson over the March 21 incident at Nadonumai Settlement, Lami.
Justice Daniel Goundar heard that Nasema doused the living room of his 68-year-old father, Temo Nasema’s house with premix fuel and set it alight while his father was inside.
The court heard that the father and son had been drinking before an argument escalated. Nasema threatened to burn the house down with his father inside, poured fuel in the living room and ignited it with a lighter.
His mother and neighbours extinguished the blaze before it caused significant damage. Nasema also pulled his father from the burning house.
Justice Goundar said the offending was serious because it endangered the life of the accused’s elderly father.
However, the judge also took into account several mitigating factors, including that Nasema was a first-time offender, had stopped drinking alcohol since the incident and had become the primary caregiver for his elderly parents.
The court also heard that the family had reconciled, with his father giving evidence that he had forgiven his son.
Justice Goundar imposed a three-year prison sentence but suspended it. A permanent Domestic Violence Restraining Order was also issued, although Nasema was not excluded from living at the family home.
2026.8.3 One in 60 Fijian adults now living with HIV
An estimated 1.2 per cent of Fijians aged 15 to 49 – about one in every 60 adults – are now living with HIV, as the country’s outbreak continues to escalate beyond high-risk groups into the wider community.
Speaking at the International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2026), Dr Jason Mitchell, chair of Fiji’s National HIV Outbreak Cluster Response Task Force. said the country is facing one of its most serious public health crises, with HIV infections increasing 14-fold over the past five years.
He said around 12,000 people are now believed to be living with HIV in Fiji, a nation of fewer than one million people.
“In January 2025, we declared a national HIV outbreak, which was initially confined to the population of people who inject drugs. The epidemic is now spilling over into every other population group in the country,” Dr Mitchell said.
He said UNAIDS estimates HIV prevalence among people aged 15 to 49 now stands at 1.2 per cent and continues to rise.
“That’s roughly one in every 60 adults,” he said.
Dr Mitchell said the situation among pregnant women is also deteriorating, with HIV prevalence in antenatal clinics now exceeding 2 per cent.
“In 2025, one child was born with HIV every week, and we lost one child to HIV-related matters every month,” he said.
He described the situation as “the greatest crime and shame of all” because it is preventable.
The conference heard Fiji recorded the highest mother-to-child HIV transmission rate in the world last year, with about 18 per cent of HIV-positive mothers passing the virus to their babies.
Young adults continue to be the most affected, with two-thirds of new HIV diagnoses last year involving people aged between 20 and 34 years.
Dr Mitchell said 94 per cent of those diagnosed were from the iTaukei community, while infections among women continue to increase. There has also been a 45 per cent rise in HIV infections among children and teenagers aged 10 to 19.
He attributed the rapid spread of HIV among people who inject drugs to the communal sharing culture and a shortage of clean needles and syringes.
Justice Qica dismissed the case against Nandan and told him he was free to leave.
A 68-year-old Nadi businessman has been discharged after the case against him relating to the alleged importation of cocaine seized at Vatia in January 2026 was dismissed by the High Court in Ba yesterday.
Vishwa Nandan, of Nasoso, Nadi, was one of the 13 accused persons who appeared before Justice Samuela Qica.
Nandan had been charged with one count of unlawful importation of illicit drugs and one count of unlawful possession of illicit drugs following advice from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in relation to the cocaine seized at Vatia earlier this year.
He was represented by lawyer Mohammed Yunus, while the State was represented by prosecutor John Rabuku.
During proceedings, counsel withdrew the regular application for individual pre-trial review and proceeded under the consolidated disclosure process.
Defence counsel also applied for the return of Nandan’s mobile phone and other personal items that had been seized during the investigation.
Justice Qica dismissed the case against Nandan and told him he was free to leave.
“You are free to go,” Justice Qica said.
State alleges fire followed failed property deal
A 48-year-old woman charged with murder over a fatal Christmas Eve fire in Samabula has been remanded in custody by the High Court in Suva.
Reena Devi Chand appeared before Justice Daniel Goundar this morning for her first appearance in the High Court since being charged.
The State alleges Chand deliberately set fire to a block of flats on Levuka Street, Samabula, on Christmas Eve last year after becoming unhappy over a failed arrangement to purchase the property from her landlord.
A 19-year-old woman, Sanjeshni Lata, who was inside one of the flats at the time, became trapped in the blaze and died.
The court heard that Ms Lata’s partner was not at home when the fire started. The property is owned by Sushila Devi.
Defence lawyer Patrick Kumar informed the court that the defence intends to file a bail application on behalf of Chand.
The matter has been adjourned to September 4. x1200
Prosecution hands over evidence as case progresses
The State has completed all major evidence disclosures in the Vatia drug case, moving one of Fiji’s largest alleged drug importation prosecutions a step closer to trial.
Multiple boxes of evidence were presented before Justice Samuela Qica at the High Court in Ba today as 13 accused persons appeared in court.
The accused are Ponipate Mateyawa, John Toatala, Merewalesi Qolimaiwasa, Alejandro Juvenal Yagual Gonzalez, Luciano Enrique Mero Sanchez, Ramon Isidro Vega Parraga, Jonathan Javier Solorzano Bermello, Bainivalu Sauturaga, Norman Fisher, Manasa Saladrau, Anaseini Rokolati, Anand Kumar and Vishwa Nadan.
All 13 face charges of conspiracy to import illicit drugs, while some also face additional charges relating to possession of proceeds of crime.
It is alleged that between November 1, 2025, and January 15, 2026, they conspired among themselves and with others in and around Fiji to unlawfully import, transport, transfer and store approximately 2,644 kilograms of illicit drugs.
State prosecutor John Rabuku told the court all available evidence had been disclosed to defence counsel.
The disclosures include witness statements, D folios containing search warrants and medical reports, digital evidence stored on USB devices, and each accused person’s caution interview transcript together with its digital copy.
Mr Rabuku said the remaining interview transcripts, including those of immunity witnesses, would be distributed over the next two weeks to complete the disclosure process.
He said the evidence had been organised into several volumes, with Volume One containing witness statements, Volume Two containing search warrants, exhibit lists and medical reports, while USB devices contain digital evidence and photographs included in Volume Four.
Justice Qica adjourned the matter to September 4 to hear the State’s application to consolidate the charges and determine whether any party objects to the proceedings being heard as a single case.
The four Ecuadorian nationals, Gonzalez, Sanchez, Parraga and Bermello, are represented by Shirley Tivao.
Mateyawa, Toatala, Qolimaiwasa, Saladrau and Rokolati are represented by Unaisi Baleilevuka of Fortis Lawyers and Consultants.
Sauturaga is represented by Daveta Lawyers, Fisher by Mark Anthony of Millbrook Law Partners, Kumar by Wasu Pillay of Gordon & Co., and Nadan by Mohammed Yunus.
The court also heard that Ms Tivao’s evidence boxes will be delivered to her office because they cannot be transported by air.
Court hears prosecution unable to contact defence lawyer before hearing.
A bench warrant has been issued for a man charged with the attempted murder of a police officer after he failed to appear in the High Court in Suva today.
The matter came before Justice Dane Tuiqereqere. Saimoni Rototunidau was absent when his case was called, and his lawyer, Jerry Dinati, also did not appear.
State prosecutor Katarina Dugan told the court the prosecution had tried to contact Dinati without success.
She said the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions had also written to the Legal Practitioners Unit to obtain his business address.
Following Rototunidau’s absence, Justice Tuiqereqere issued a bench warrant for his arrest.
Rototunidau faces one count each of attempted murder, unlawful possession of illicit drugs, going equipped for theft, serious assault, and refusing to allow police to take his fingerprints and photographs. He has not yet entered pleas to the charges.
The charges stem from an incident in April in which Police Constable Senoveva Tikoduadua was allegedly struck by a vehicle while manning a police checkpoint in Laqere, Nasinu. Police allege the vehicle was being pursued by officers at the time.
The matter was adjourned to August 4.
Investigating officer locates vehicles, phones and other belongings sought by three applicants.
The State has confirmed it will return personal belongings belonging to three convicted men involved in Fiji’s largest drug seizure after Police located the items.
The High Court in Lautoka heard that vehicles, mobile phones and other personal property will be released once verification is completed.
Louie Logaivau, Viliame Colawailiku and Sakiusa Tuva appeared before Justice Aruna Aluthge in the High Court in Lautoka today.
The three men applied for the return of personal items, including vehicles and mobile phones, which remain in Police custody.
They were among nine people convicted in connection with the seizure of 4.15 tonnes of methamphetamine at Legalega and Maqalevu in January 2024.
The other convicted persons in the case are Justin Ho, David Heritage, Ratu Aporosa Davelevu, Jale Aukerea, Ratu Osea Levula and Cathy Tuirabe.
The case involved the importation of methamphetamine with an estimated street value of about $2 billion and remains the largest drug seizure in Fiji’s history and one of the largest in the Pacific.
Appearing for the State, prosecutor Joeli Naivalu confirmed the investigating officer had located the items sought by the applicants.
“I can confirm that the investigating officer has carried out his due diligence and located the items the applicants are seeking to have released,” Mr Naivalu told the court.
“I have instructed the investigating officer to bring the items to my office, after which we will contact the family members to collect them. We can then return to court on a review date.”
Mr Naivalu said Logaivau had been asked to provide his sister’s contact details so arrangements could be made to collect his belongings.
“He has requested a number of items, and I need to verify exactly what has been requested to satisfy the motion that has been filed,” he said.
Mr Naivalu said it was ultimately a matter for the court whether to close the application or retain it for review after the property had been released.
Justice Aluthge adjourned the matter for review on August 4.
Mr Naivalu also confirmed the investigating officer would provide the court with an inventory of the items belonging to each of the three applicants.
Court rules the accused failed to provide a reasonable excuse for missing her scheduled court appearance.
A woman who failed to appear in court after being released on bail has been convicted of absconding bail by the Suva Magistrate Court.
Zoe Maharaj Moore was found guilty by Resident Magistrate Shageeth Somaratne today after the court ruled she had failed to provide a reasonable excuse for missing her court appearance on January 10, 2020.
The court heard Moore was granted bail on January 9, 2020, but failed to appear the following day as required.
During the hearing, Moore admitted she had been granted bail and had failed to appear in court. The prosecution tendered her caution statement and the bench warrant as evidence.
In her defence, Moore claimed she went to the prosecution office at about 10.30am on the day of her scheduled court appearance because she had been assaulted at home earlier that morning.
However, Resident Magistrate Somaratne said Moore had not mentioned the alleged assault during her caution interview and there was no evidence to confirm she had attended the prosecution office that day.
The court also found there was nothing on the court record to show the explanation had been raised when Moore was later taken into custody.
Resident Magistrate Somaratne ruled the defence had failed to prove, on the balance of probabilities, that Moore had a reasonable excuse for failing to appear.
Moore was convicted of one count of absconding bail.
She has 28 days to appeal the decision and has been further remanded in custody.
Rokoravolo claimed he was sober while Dr Biumaitotoya was intoxicated when another argument erupted.
A man accused of murdering Nadi doctor Isireli Biumaitotoya has told the High Court in Lautoka that he acted in self-defence after the doctor allegedly threatened him with a cane knife during an argument at the victim’s home.
Ratu Peceli Rokoravolo, who is charged with one count of murder, took the witness stand before Justice Aruna Aluthge yesterday and gave his account of the events leading to Dr Biumaitotoya’s death between August 31 and September 1 last year.
Rokoravolo told the court he first became aware of Dr Biumaitotoya through a social media video in 2021.
He said he later met the doctor through his cousin, Anare Vibose, whom he claimed was in a relationship with the deceased.
Rokoravolo denied being in a relationship with Dr Biumaitotoya, claiming the doctor used photographs of him on social media to conceal his relationship with his cousin.
He told the court Dr Biumaitotoya later offered to financially support his village canteen business and a barbecue business in Nausori and gave him money in exchange for not revealing the doctor’s relationship with his cousin.
He said he eventually cut off contact because Dr Biumaitotoya was posting negative comments about his family on social media.
The accused said communication resumed after 2023 when he contacted the doctor, asking him to stop posting content that he claimed humiliated his chiefly family and damaged its reputation.
He told the court villagers had made negative remarks and issued threats because of the social media posts.
Rokoravolo said Dr Biumaitotoya later contacted him again, asking about his businesses and offering further financial assistance.
However, he admitted their relationship remained strained before August 30 last year.
The court heard that Dr Biumaitotoya invited Rokoravolo to his Namaka home on the night of August 30 to collect supplies for the canteen business.
Rokoravolo said he arrived at about 10pm and the pair spent the night drinking while arguing over the alleged misuse of M-PAiSA money sent to him for the business and over the social media posts.
He told the court they went on a cruise to Lautoka the following morning before returning to the doctor’s residence, where they continued drinking.
Rokoravolo claimed he was sober while Dr Biumaitotoya was intoxicated when another argument erupted.
He alleged the doctor locked the house, went into the bedroom and returned holding a cane knife while swearing at him.
The accused said he became frightened and grabbed an extension cord within reach, swinging it around the doctor’s arms from behind in an attempt to loosen his grip on the knife.
He told the court the doctor dropped the weapon during the struggle, after which he picked up the cane knife and struck him “out of anger”.
Rokoravolo said he could not remember how many times he struck Dr Biumaitotoya.
When he saw the blood, he realised what he had done and began shivering after seeing the victim lying in a pool of blood.
He said he told the injured doctor he was going to get help before running to a nearby bus stop with the intention of going to the police station.
However, after sitting there for about 10 minutes trying to catch his breath, he became frightened and returned to the house.
He told the court he intended to drive the doctor’s vehicle to Namaka Police Station but instead drove to Nausori because he panicked.
Justice Aluthge asked the accused why he did not take the victim to hospital in the vehicle, to which Rokoravolo replied that he could not think straight.
Rokoravolo maintained the killing was not intentional and said he respected Dr Biumaitotoya because of the financial support he had received. He also insisted he acted in self-defence.
During cross-examination, prosecutor Joeli Nasa suggested that if Rokoravolo truly respected Dr Biumaitotoya, he would not have inflicted about 30 knife wounds and killed the victim in that manner.
Mr Nasa further alleged the accused intentionally killed the doctor after expecting to receive $1,000 but being given only $300.
He also suggested Rokoravolo was the first to attack and already knew where the cane knife was kept inside the house.
The prosecutor told the court the extension cord recovered from the crime scene contained the victim’s blood, suggesting Dr Biumaitotoya had used the cord to defend himself after the accused attacked with the knife.
He also argued Rokoravolo had several opportunities to leave the house during the arguments but chose to remain because he had not received the full amount of money he expected.
The defence also called Josaia Boselawa, 50, of Mokani Village in Tailevu, the accused’s uncle.
Mr Boselawa told the court that social media posts made by Dr Biumaitotoya had caused villagers to demand that Rokoravolo be removed from both the family and the village.
Another witness, Ratu Seru Vuibau, 38, the accused’s elder brother, said he confronted Rokoravolo after seeing videos circulating on social media.
He told the court he punched his brother during the confrontation, and Rokoravolo admitted he had been in a relationship with Dr Biumaitotoya.
Justice Aluthge adjourned the matter to August 4 for closing submissions.
The State alleges that Ono fatally stabbed the 55-year-old man with a knife following a dispute over payment after sexual services.
A man accused of murdering a 55-year-old man following an alleged dispute over non-payment of sexual services has pleaded not guilty in the High Court in Labasa.
Ananaisa Ono Jr appeared before Justice Lee Burney last week, where he entered a not guilty plea to one count of murder.
The State alleges that Ono fatally stabbed the 55-year-old man with a knife following a dispute over payment after sexual services.
The alleged offence occurred in Labasa on May 3, 2026.
The prosecution has filed its Information, and Ono entered his plea when the matter was called.
Justice Burney adjourned the case to August 26 for a pre-trial conference.
Ono was further remanded in custody.
Accused allegedly linked to three separate drug possession incidents in Nadi and Vuda.
Bail has been extended for two Chinese nationals facing methamphetamine-related charges in the High Court in Lautoka.
Xu Qiang and Wang An appeared before Justice Sekonaia Vodokisolomone yesterday on three counts of unlawful possession of illicit drugs.
The court heard that on September 23, 2025, the two allegedly possessed a total of 805.657 grams of crystal methamphetamine in Nadi without lawful authority.
The first count alleges that the pair were found in possession of 302.9 grams of methamphetamine at Votualevu, Nadi. Both men have pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Under the second count, Qiang is alleged to have possessed 6.09 grams of methamphetamine at Martintar, Nadi.
The third count alleges that An possessed 495.841 grams of methamphetamine at Viseisei, Vuda. He has also pleaded not guilty.
The court heard both accused are unemployed and were in Fiji on six-month tourist visas at the time of the alleged offences.
State prosecutor John Rabuku informed the court that the prosecution requires 21 days to file its response to the Pre-Trial Conference (PTC) documents for the substantive matter.
Justice Vodokisolomone granted the request, extended bail for both accused and adjourned the matter to July 24, 2026 for the next PTC hearing.
Methamphetamine was concealed inside the base of a water bottle, court hears.
Drug convict Imran Khan has been sentenced to four years and three months’ imprisonment for the unlawful possession of 4.1364 grams of methamphetamine.
Khan, also known as ‘King Khan’ appeared before Magistrate Yogesh Prasad today, having earlier been convicted after he was found in possession of the illicit drug in Suva on February 7, 2023.
The court heard that the methamphetamine was concealed in the bottom cavity of a water bottle and detected with the assistance of a Police K9 unit.
In sentencing, the court considered the seriousness of hard drug offences, the need for deterrence and the protection of the community.
Khan’s remorse was considered a mitigating factor, while the method used to conceal the drugs was treated as an aggravating factor.
The court imposed a non-parole period of three years’ imprisonment.
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Court finds no grounds to overturn lower court ruling, citing flight risk and severity of offences.
The High Court in Suva has reinforced the principle of judicial consistency by upholding the decision to deny bail to three Chinese nationals charged with serious drug-related offences.
Yu Yang Fang, Minghui Dai, and Zhou Lan appeared before Justice Usaia Ratuvili this morning following their arrest during a police raid on Rewa Street last year.
The three face charges including unlawful possession of 39.5 grams of methamphetamine, unlawful supply of illicit drugs, and possession of suspected proceeds of crime, including various foreign currencies.
In his ruling, Justice Ratuvili stressed that the Magistrate Court had thoroughly assessed all relevant factors and correctly applied the law in refusing bail.
The seriousness of the alleged offences, combined with the potential flight risk, justified the initial denial of bail, he said.
The defence had raised six grounds of appeal, arguing that the Magistrate erred in law and that there were material changes in circumstances since the initial ruling.
However, the High Court dismissed these claims, highlighting that the transfer of the case to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions did not amount to a significant change warranting reconsideration.
The appeal was dismissed, and the case has been referred back to the Magistrate Court for trial.
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Court told transactions traced through bank accounts and M-PAiSA since 2023
A Government minister was allegedly targeted in an identity theft case involving a couple from Labasa, as a trial continues with other individuals claiming they were also scammed.
Afrain Bi and Nishant Pravin Singh are jointly accused of 10 counts of unauthorised access to a computer system, eight counts of obtaining a financial advantage by deception, and one count of possession of property suspected to be proceeds of crime.
They appeared before Magistrate Safaira Ratu at the Labasa Magistrates Court yesterday.
They pleaded not guilty to the charges. It is alleged they illegally transferred money via bank accounts and M-PAiSA since 2023.
Both are also accused of identity theft involving Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade Sakiasi Ditoka. It is alleged they used Mr Ditoka’s image to create a fake social media profile for financial gain.
Police prosecutor Corporal Rajnesh Prasad said the matter was of serious concern because it betrayed public trust, with victims losing their hard-earned savings.
Corporal Prasad told the court that while other victims were present as State witnesses, Mr Ditoka was overseas and did not attend.
The investigating officer took the stand and presented several search warrants linked to multiple crime reports.
The warrants sought access to investigate the alleged transfer of funds from Bank of the South Pacific (BSP) accounts to those of the accused, as well as M-PAiSA transactions and call logs.
The alleged illegal transactions are not limited to Labasa but extend to other parts of the country, including Tavua.
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Former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and former Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho have pleaded not guilty to charges of inciting to mutiny.
They appeared before Magistrate Yogesh Prasad in the Suva Magistrate’s Court this morning.
It is alleged that Bainimarama between the 1st of January 2023 and the 31st of July 2023 in Suva, sent viber messages to Brigadier General Manoa Gadai in his attempt to incite him to take over command and overthrow the authority of the Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, Major General Jone Kalouniwai.
For the second count, it is alleged that Bainimarama and Qiliho between the 1st of July 2023 to the 31st of July, 2023 jointly spoke to Lt Colonel Atunaisa Vakatale, Colonel Aseri Rokoura, Colonel Viliame Draunibaka and others, who were senior officers of RFMF in their joint attempt to incite the senior officers to unlawfully arrest and take over the authority of the Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, Major General Jone Kalouniwai.
The State has served full disclosures.
State Counsel Luisa Latu informed the court that the prosecution will be calling 24 witnesses in this case.
The matter has been adjourned to the 6th of May to set the trial date.
The Magistrate Court had earlier sentenced him to three months’ imprisonment, but the sentence was suspended for two years.
A man convicted of drug possession and damaging police property appeared in the High Court in Suva yesterday for a review of his sentence.
Jone Vakarisi appeared before Chief Justice Salesi Temo for the hearing to review a sentence earlier imposed by the Suva Magistrate Court. Vakarisi had pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful possession of illicit drugs and one count of damaging property. The offences were committed in 2023.
According to the court’s summary of facts that were read in court, Vakarisi was found with 15.2 grams of marijuana. During the same incident, he also damaged a police officer’s uniform.
The Magistrate Court had earlier sentenced him to three months’ imprisonment, but the sentence was suspended for two years.
Senior State lawyer Eoghn Samisoni is leading the prosecution in the matter.
Meanwhile, Vakarisi chose to represent himself in court.
Justice Temo directed the prosecution to address several issues in its submissions, including whether the sentence imposed by the lower court was appropriate and served the interests of justice.
The matter has been adjourned to March 30 for further hearing.
Vakarisi’s bail has been further extended.
The body was discovered by a family returning from fishing at a nearby river.
Police are investigating after a woman’s body was found in a sugarcane field along Mate Road in Korovuto, Nadi, yesterday.
The body was discovered by a family returning from fishing at a nearby river.
Area resident Margaret Agnes said her husband noticed what appeared to be blood along the grass as they walked along a track through the field and initially thought it was from an animal.
She said the trail led into the sugarcane field, where they found a person lying on the ground.
“I was frightened and told my husband to take our two children away so they would not see anything,” Ms Agnes said.
The family then went to a nearby house on the main road and asked residents to alert police, fearing the person responsible could still be nearby.
Police later confirmed the body was that of a woman, but her identity has not yet been established.
Police spokesperson Sergeant Wame Bautolu said officers remained at the scene and investigations were continuing. Further details will be released later.
2025.8.29 18-yr-old murder accused to take plea on 5th Sept
18-year-old high school student, Rihaal Kumar, who allegedly caused the death of Sharuf Shaakir Khan at a Suva apartment complex, has been declared fit to take his plea.
Defence counsel Robert Bancod asked Suva High Court Judge, Justice Daniel Goundar to defer the plea as they had just received the disclosures this morning.
Justice Goundar asked the defence counsel how this relates to the plea because these documents are to prepare for trial.
Bancod responded that they were waiting for the psychiatric evaluation report and wanted Kumar to fully understand his charges.
Justice Goundar questioned Kumar if he understood that when the plea is deferred, the trial will also be deferred.
Kumar informed the court that he agrees for the plea to be deferred and understands that this will also defer the trial.
The plea is scheduled for the 5th of September.
Kumar is charged with one count of murder.
2025.8.29 “No drug offender has ever faced life imprisonment in this jurisdiction”, Judge to Justin Ho
Justice Aruna Aluthge yesterday told Justin Ho that his two brothers and a stepsister can take care of his ill father in his absence.
Sentencing Justin Ho to life imprisonment, Justice Aruna Aluthge said as a born Catholic, “you were actively engaged in community services and church work.”
:You provided employment opportunities to 10 Fijian youths. However, you opened the business as a cover to carry out illegal activities and exposed the youths to the drug trade, putting their lives at risk.”
“You have breached the trust reposed in you by your employees.”
Addressing Ho’s personal circumstances and mitigation plea, the judge said ‘you are young, 34 years of age, and looking after your sickly father.
“Even for a most serious drug offender, his or her personal circumstances do matter. But I do not find any mitigating features in your personal circumstances. You have two brothers and a stepsister. They can take care of your father in your absence.”
Justice Aluthge also reflected on Ho’s sports background, which would not influence leniency.
“You had a promising track record in soccer and squash. At one time, you were Fiji’s No. 1 squash player under 9, 12, and 17 categories.”
“Unfortunately, you decided to ruin not only your bright career but also that of the youths who worked for you.”
“Your status as a sports celebrity is not going to help you in any way, as the business you ventured into had the potential of destroying Fiji’s entire young generation. You abused your position as a sports celebrity.”
Highlighting the severity of the offense, Justice Aluthge observed life imprisonment is prescribed by the Extradition and Drugs Control Act and by the guideline judgment for anyone who is in possession of or imports illicit drugs exceeding 1 kilogram.
“You imported and possessed more than 4,000 kilograms of methamphetamine. No drug offender has ever faced life imprisonment in this jurisdiction.”
Justice Aluthge imposed a non-parole period of 30 years.
“You are eligible for parole after serving 30 years in the correctional facility.”
“Rehabilitation receives less consideration for primary drug offenders of this magnitude.”
“Fiji is increasingly becoming a hot spot for drug trafficking, and therefore general and specific deterrence must be the primary considerations in setting the non-parole period.”
“Denunciation and public protection are also important considerations.”
“Although you have spent nearly 14 months in remand, I am unable to give any discount on that account for two reasons. First, you have been sentenced to life imprisonment. Second, you breached bail conditions and tried to escape whilst on bail to prevent the course of justice.”
High Court Justice Aruna Aluthge has sentenced Justin Ho to life in prison.
He has been given a non-parole period of 30 years.
Ho was found guilty on multiple counts of drug importation and possession, identifying him as the “main beneficiary” and “controlling authority” behind the sophisticated transnational drug operation.
While convicting him last month, Justice Aluthge said the evidence presented confirmed that Ho, along with co-accused David Heritage, masterminded the shipment of the record-breaking consignment of methamphetamine into Fiji.
The court heard that Ho directed a multi-layered criminal network, with his attempt to flee the country with two co-accused after police investigations began further solidifying his central role. A large sum of cash found on Ho at the time of his arrest was cited as evidence of his alleged leadership in the escape plan and as a beneficiary of the illicit drug activity. x1200
Cathy Tuirabe has been jailed for 15 years imprisonment, eligible for parole after 12 years in prison.
She was identified as a “lower-tier” offender in the drug syndicate, responsible for handling and processing the drugs.
She pleaded guilty before the trial began, admitting to her role in the operation. Evidence presented in court, including testimony from other co-accused, revealed that she was involved in the physical packaging of the drug containers.
During her testimony, Tuirabe stated that she was recruited by Sakiusa Tuva to assist with the operation.
She admitted to being paid to guard the contents of a house in Nadi and to packaging the drugs for transport.
She also testified that she and co-accused Ratu Osea Levula were instructed to act as a couple to avoid suspicion while handling the drugs. x1200
2025.8.28 D-Day for drug syndicate, sentencing today in 4.15-tonne meth case
Nine people convicted in Fiji’s 4.15-tonne methamphetamine case will be sentenced in the Lautoka High Court today.
The sentencing is scheduled for 12pm today before Justice Aruna Aluthge.
They were convicted last month and State prosecutors submitted recommended starting sentences based on their levels of culpability in the massive drug trafficking operation.
The court’s sentences are expected to reflect the severity of the unprecedented drug seizure and serve as a deterrent.
For top tier offenders, a starting sentence of 50 years was recommended for ringleaders Justin Ho, David Heritage, and Jale Aukerea, citing their key roles in the operation.
A starting sentence of 30 to 35 years was suggested for Louie Logaivau and Sakiusa Tuva.
A starting sentence of 25 years was proposed for Aporosa Davelevu, Osea Levula, Cathy Tuirabe, and Viliame Colowaliku.
The prosecution had argued that the 4.15-tonne shipment, with a purity of 70–80%, was one of the largest in the Pacific and posed a severe threat to Fiji.
Legal framework: Fiji’s Illicit Drugs Control Act sets a minimum sentence of 20 years for trafficking commercial quantities of methamphetamine, with the possibility of life imprisonment.
2025.8.28 Minister Naivalurua welcomes sentences in $2B meth case
Minister for Policing, Ioane Naivalurua has hailed the sentencing of nine individuals in the country’s largest-ever drug case as a “defining moment” in the fight against transnational organised crime.
The convictions stem from the seizure of 4.15 tonnes of methamphetamine worth over $2 billion.
The jailed are individuals are Justin Ho, David Heritage, Louie Logaivau, Ratu Aporosa Davelevu, Sakiusa Tuva, Jale Aukerea, Ratu Osea Levula, Cathy Tuirabe, and Viliame Colawaliku.
“This verdict sends an unmistakable message: Fiji will not stand by while illicit drugs infiltrate our communities and endanger our future,” Naivalurua said.
“No one is above the law, and no status or connection will shield anyone from justice.”
“To those involved in the drug trade and drug abuse, hear this message clearly: drugs will destroy your future, damage your health, and tear families apart,” he warned.
He urged individuals facing addiction to seek help, highlighting the availability of free HIV treatment and support services.
“Support is there. HIV is treatable. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Your life matters.”
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2024.7.8 Court discharges 5
THE High Court in Lautoka has discharged five people charged in relation to the 4.1 tonnes of methamphetamine found in Nadi in January.
The five are Isaac Lesiyanawai, Michael Pickering, Iosefo Roqica, Maika Yabakivou and Nancy Mateyawa.
The five were part of the 15 charged with unlawful importation of illicit drugs, unlawful possession of illicit drugs and possession of property suspected of being proceeds of crime relating to the importation and transportation of the illicit substances valued at more than $2billion.
The group appeared before High Court judge Justice Aruna Aluthge.
The State was represented by acting DPP John Rabuku and DPP senior State counsel Joeli Nasa. Mr Rabuku filed an anomaly against five of the accused on various counts they were charged under on the consolidated information.
Defence lawyer Mark Anthony requested that his client, Isaac Lesiyanawai, be given his passport and cash. An unconditional discharge was granted to Mr Lesiyanawai after representations given to the DPP by his lawyer.
Mr Rabuku did not object and requested the court that the police release all personal items seized from the accused.
Mr Rabuku said of the five, three have been granted immunity. They are Maika Yabakivou, Nancy Mateyawa and Iosefo Roqica.
He said it was important as the State would be disclosing the statements recorded from these accused persons to the defence in due course.
Mr Rabuku said there were 200 documents that needed to be disclosed, including photographs, and three statements from those granted immunity. Defence lawyer Iqbal Khan, who is representing some of the accused, requested the court that the documents also be given to them to prepare for bail.
The acting DPP also requested that the State be given three weeks to review the documents and photographs.
However, Justice Aruna Aluthge objected, saying he would only give them 14 days, and that the matter would be called for mention on April 18. Justice Aruna Aluthge adjourned the matter to May 3 for a plea.
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