Eleven former Public Works Department (PWD) employees appeared in the High Court in Suva yesterday for corruption related charges.

The matter was called for pre-trial conference where Defence lawyer Aseri Vakaloloma informed the Court that he needed more time to finalise the proposed agreed facts.

The matter will be recalled on December 9 to check on proposed agreed facts.

Ana Laqere, Navitalai Tamanitoakula, Amelia Vunisea, Vaciseva Laqai, Vilisi Tuitavuki, Losalini Toroca, Laisa Halafi, Tavenisa Tavaga, Taniela Railala, Eparama Racumu and Kiniviliame Taviraki appeared before Justice Priyantha Fernando.

They are charged by the Fiji Independent Commission against Corruption (FICAC) with abuse of office, causing a loss and obtaining financial advantage.

The 12th accused, director of Professional Stationery Limited, Shalendra Narayan, appeared later for the charge of obtaining a financial advantage.

They are alleged to be involved in a corrupt practice amounting to $93,000. The alleged offence occurred between February and May, 2010.

Feedback:  farisha.ahmed@fijisun.com.fj