Ravu, Toaisi acquitted of abuse of office charge
Magistrate Jeremaia Savou did not find any relevant and admissible evidence on the element of Arbitrary Act.
Friday 28 February 2025 | 21:09
Minister for Fisheries, Kalaveti Ravu with his lawyer Lavi Rokoika outside the Suva Magistrate’s Court. Photo: Beranadeta Nagatalevu
The Suva Magistrate’s Court has acquitted former Minister for Fisheries, Kalaveti Ravu and its ministry’s regional manager North, Tekata Toaisi of charges of abuse of office.
Ravu was acquitted of his abuse of office charge while Toaisi was acquitted of aiding and abetting charge.
The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) alleged that while employed in the civil service, were engaged in an arbitrary act prejudicial to the rights of another.
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They were alleged to have halted an ongoing investigation into an illegal trading of a beche-de-mer species.
Magistrate Jeremaia Savou did not find any relevant and admissible evidence on the element of Arbitrary Act.
After FICAC presented nine witnesses and 23 exhibits, the court ruled that there was no admissible evidence to establish the necessary elements of the alleged offence.
Magistrate Savou ruled that the circumstantial evidence that FICAC relied upon was hearsay.
He added the legal test under Section 178 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2009 for a “No Case to Answer” application was met, requiring an acquittal.
Ravu was represented by lawyers Lavi Rokoika and Tangaroa Vakalalabure while Toaisi was represented by lawyer Joji Cakau.
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