A Lautoka businessman, who was allegedly involved with receiving stolen items worth over $5700, will re-appear in the Lautoka Magistrate’s Court in a fortnight where a sentencing date would be fixed for his failing bail conditions.

Director of Western Solar Company Abdul Jalal, 50, pleaded guilty on May 10 for a second charge of breaching bail conditions.

Jalal appeared for sentencing on November 1 but there was no magistrate available.

Both matters will now be dealt with by the court on December 20 with a date to be set for sentencing on his breach of bail charge and a hearing date to be set for the charge of receiving stolen property.

The allegations were that Jalal, between January and March 2008, approached Samuela Navitalai and Nemani Batiyaka, both 29 years old, both employees then of Western Lectric Company Limited, which is now known as Weslec.

The allegations were that Jalal offered cash as a reward for both men to steal solar heater manufacturing materials, from their employer, Western Lectric.

It is further alleged that from March 2008 to 20 January 2009, both employees stole the manufacturing materials valued at $5780 from Western Lectric.

It was alleged that Jalal bought the items at a low price and made hot water systems out of it, selling the finished product for a much lower price than Western Lectric.

Both employees were caught and charged.

Navitalai and Batiyaka were convicted by the Lautoka Magistrate’s Court on July 30, 2013 and handed suspended sentences and ordered to repay $2890 each.

On 12 June 2014, Jalal was arrested, interviewed and later charged with receiving stolen property.

Edited by Rusiate Mataika

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