Court refers Raikaci case to ODPP over conflict of interest

The Nausori Magistrate Court has directed Police Prosecution to refer the case of Sailosi Raikaci, the son of Assis­tant Police Commissioner Crime, Sakeo Raikaci, to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).

Raikaci, 24, a Police Constable, ap­peared for his first call before Resi­dent Magistrate Samanunu Vaniqi, facing one count of theft.

It is alleged that on Tuesday even­ing, Raikaci stole a minibus valued at $65,000 from the Nausori minibus stand.

Magistrate Vaniqi made the trans­feral decision after questioning Po­lice Prosecutor Sergeant Shelveen Sharma about the accused’s iden­tity.

She noted the potential conflict of interest, as ACP Raikaci was Shar­ma’s superior.

Sergeant Sharma had no objec­tions to Raikaci’s bail but proposed strict conditions, which included:

• One surety;
• Surrendering his travel docu­ments
• Reporting to the Nausori Police Station twice a week (Saturdays and Mondays);
• A stop departure order;
• Not interfering with state wit­nesses.

Raikaci’s lawyer, Isoa Matanito­bua, from the Ravono & Raikaci law firm, presented two sureties, with one accepted: Raikaci’s mother, Naomi Raikaci, who is also a prin­cipal lawyer at the firm.

The court rejected the other sure­ty, as the individual was simply an employee at the law firm.

Raikaci, stationed at the Nabua Police Station, will report to the Nausori Police Station, as it is his official residence.

Sergeant Sharma told the court that the first phase of disclo­sures had been served, but an addi­tional 21 days would be required to transcribe recordings before they are passed to the defence.

The case has been adjourned to January 13, 2025.

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