Janet Mason first witness in Kamikamica trial

Former Counsel Assisting the Commission of Inquiry into Barbara Malimali's appointment, Janet Mason, is expected to take the stand this morning as the first prosecution witness in the trial of former Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica.

The trial is being heard before Resident Magistrate Charles Ratakele in the Suva Magistrates Court.

The proceedings follow a ruling yesterday allowing the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) to amend the charges against Kamikamica.

Despite objections from defence counsel Wylie Clarke, the court granted the prosecution leave to file the amended charges, which were read to the accused. Kamikamica elected to be tried in the Magistrates Court.

Kamikamica faces one count of perjury. It is alleged that between December 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025, while lawfully sworn as a witness before the Commission of Inquiry into the appointment of the FICAC Commissioner, he wilfully made a material statement on oath that he had no knowledge of the appointment of the FICAC Commissioner before the appointment on September 5, 2024.

In the alternative, he is charged with giving false information to a public servant. It is alleged that during the same period, while giving evidence before the Commission of Inquiry, he provided information to the Commissioner of Inquiry, a public servant, that he knew or believed to be false, namely that he had no knowledge of the appointment of the FICAC Commissioner before September 5, 2024.

Kamikamica has denied the allegations.