Top rugby referee admits drink-driving charge, fined $1,000

A prominent Fiji rugby referee has been fined after admitting to a drink-driving offence in Nadi.

Tevita Rokovereni, 36, appeared before Magistrate Talei Kean today in the Nadi Magistrate Court.

Rokovereni was charged with drunk and driving, under the influence of alcohol, following a police checkpoint operation on Queens Road, near the Sri Siva Subramaniya Swami Temple in Nadi.

The court heard that he was arrested on 28 December by the Fiji Police Force and the Land Transport Authority (LTA).

Rokovereni was stopped at a checkpoint and subjected to a breath alcohol test.

The breath analysis indicated 187 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood.

The accused represented himself, understood the charges, and pleaded guilty in court.

During mitigation, Rokovereni sought forgiveness from the court for committing the offence.

He acknowledged his wrongdoing and assured the court that he would not repeat such behaviour in the future.

The Police Prosecution indicated that there was no objection to the sentence imposed by the court.

Magistrate Kean sentenced Rokovereni to pay a $1,000 fine.

In addition, the court imposed a stop-departure order and the surrender of travel documents, preventing the accused from travelling overseas until the fine is fully paid.

The accused told the court that he intended to pay the fine within two weeks, as he plans to travel overseas before February next year.

Rokovereni was granted bail on a bond of $500.

The matter has been adjourned for a review of the fine on 12 January 2026 to ensure compliance with the court’s orders.

The case serves as a reminder of the ongoing national concern surrounding drink-driving and the strict enforcement measures in place to ensure road safety across Fiji.