Six men who allegedly broke into the home of the late Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara at Tubou, Lakeba, Lau, and stole more than 40 tabua (whalesteeth), have been charged.

They are expected to appear at the Suva Magistrates Court today, charged with burglary.

Police spokesperson, Ana Naisoro, confirmed the accused had been brought to Suva.

They are between ages 18 to mid-20s, according to Ms Naisoro.

She confirmed the 40 plus tabua were stolen from Ratu Sir Kamisese’s home.

She said all the stolen tabua had been recovered.

Who was Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara?

Ratu Sir Kamisese was the founding father of the modern independent Fiji. He led Fiji to Independence in 1970 and became the first Prime Minister after the first general election in 1972.

His Alliance Government governed the country until 1987 when it was defeated in the April general election by a Fiji Labour Party-National Federation Party coalition led by Dr Timoci Bavadra.

After the first military coup, he became Prime Minister of an interim government and later became President before he retired.

He was also the Tui Nayau, Sau ni Vanua ‘o Lau or paramount chief of Lau. He was married to the late Adi Lady Lala Mara, the former Marama Bale na Roko Tui Dreketi, paramount chief of the Burebasaga Confederacy.

In the many traditional ceremonies they were accorded because of their status, tabua were presented to them as part of the cultural protocol.

Edited by Jonathan Bryce

Feedback: selita.bolanavanua@fijisun.com.fj