FCS duo demands justice

A de facto couple terminated by the Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) over alleged involvement in methamphetamine production is calling for redress, claiming their dismissal was unlawful.

Their appeal follows an FCS social media post on Thursday evening about a raid conducted at their Nakasi residence.

According to FCS, the raid was based on a tip-off alleging the couple's involvement in drug production alongside their landlord, who was allegedly using their home as a drug lab.

However, the couple argues that FCS failed to conduct proper investigations before terminating their employment, despite an employment tribunal hearing on Wednesday.

The man, who did not want to be named, said a search warrant was executed at their home on Tuesday afternoon, but nothing was found to substantiate the claims made by FCS or the Fiji Police Force.

"The search list completed by the investigating officer that day indicated that nothing was found and nothing was served," he said.

"If they found something, why weren't my landlord and I arrested on the same day?"

Following the tribunal, the man claimed that on Thursday evening, he was contacted by an officer and asked to meet at the Nabua bus station, where he was handed a termination letter.

"Twenty minutes after I received the letter, FCS posted our termination online," he said.

"How is it that police conducted the raid, found nothing, but somehow, FCS was the first to post?"

The couple is urging FCS to be transparent and conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations against them.

"They terminated us, stating that the raid occurred at Salim Settlement, Nakasi, which is incorrect because we live in Nacua Courts," the woman said.

"There were reports of a similar raid in that area on the same day, so there must have been some confusion."

They are now seeking legal advice should FCS fail to address their concerns.

Feedback: Beranadeta@fijisun.com.fj