News in brief
PS appointed
PUBLIC Service Commission chairman Josefa Serulagilagi has announced the appointments of Colonel Pio Tikoduadua as the permanent secretary for the Prime Minister's Office and Tevita Bolavanua as Auditor-General. Mr Serulagilagi said both applicants had the necessary qualifications and experience to perform the roles expected of them. Both Col Tikoduadua and Mr Bolavanua's contracts are for three years.
Body indentified
THE elderly man whose body was in a swamp behind the Wailada industrial area outside Lami died a natural death. Police spokesman Inspector Atunaisa Sokomuri said Ropate Vavaitamana, 71, of Nasevou in Lami, had been sick for some time. Earlier this week, Insp Sokomuri said Vavaitamana, a mental patient, left home on Sunday morning but failed to return. He was recently released from the CWM Hospital. His body was found by a group of women fishing in the area.
Cop recovers
THE police constable who was knifed inside the Grantham Road Police Post in Raiwaqa is recovering, says Inspector Atunaisa Sokomuri. He said the officer was recovering in the CWM Hospital's Intensive Care Unit. Inspector Sokomuri said the constable allegedly suffered injury when police officers attended to a case of two drunken men having a heated argument in front of the police post. Two men have been charged in relation to the incident.
Child questions
A PARTICIPANT at a workshop yesterday to combat trafficking and other forms of Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children ù CSEC ù said in light of human trafficking in Fiji, it wouldn't be offensive to ask adults travelling with many children, who were biologically not theirs, about them. Magistrate Alofa Seruvatu said she did not view it as offensive for the sake of surveillance and monitoring. This followed a comment that some adults might find questions by immigration officials insulting.
Trafficking alert
WHEN it comes to child trafficking, there are certain indicators to be aware of, yesterday's CESC workshop participants heard. The United States Embassy's labour officer, Jessica Chesbro, said some issues immigration officials should be aware of included if the child accompanying an adult had a different last name. Another was if a child did not know the name of the person they were travelling with or if they look frightened.+School of Law
ONE of the three universities operating in the country, the University of Fiji, will launch its School of Law at Samabula in Suva on August 12. Chief guest at the event will be President, Ratu Epeli Nailtatikau. The university's public relations officer, Zaheer Hassan, said although the law school was established two years ago, next month's event would mark its official launch.
FSM lecture
THE Fiji School of Medicine continues its public lecture series in Suva today as part of its 125th anniversary celebrations. It will feature Dr Amelia Turagabeci, who will share her personal experience of problem-based learning in public health.
Sibling guilty
A MAN has pleaded guilty to punching his sister after waiving his right to counsel. Inosi Saracale admitted in court that he punched and injured his sister. Magistrate Jude Nanayakarra said although the offence was assault, under the Domestic Violence Decree, it was not reconcilable. He also told police prosecution the decree did not only deal with violent affairs between spouses but also between siblings and parents and children.
Youth remanded
A YOUTH has been remanded further after pleading guilty to burglary and theft. Peni Lomani admitted stealing items from a house in Nabua early this month with two others. Prosecution told the court they objected to bail because the items stolen were not recovered and an accomplice was yet to be arrested. The court was informed that police investigations were continuing.
Case adjourned
A MAN who assaulted former rugby player Saiasi Fuli has offered to pay for his medical bills. No plea was taken by Wali Fonmanu as he appeared in court. Defence counsel told the court Fonmanu was not ready to take a plea and needed three weeks. The court was told the accused wanted to compensate the complainant by paying for his medical bills. The case was adjourned to August 28.
Plea deferred
A MAN charged for attempted rape had his plea and mitigation deferred because his defence counsel was not present. Justice Salesi Temo told the court that Legal Aid lawyer representing Samuela Samoi was on leave. Samoi is alleged to have attempted to rape a girl during a wedding in Suva. The alleged incident was reported to police by the victim after she managed to ward off her attacker. The case will now be called on August 4.
Appeal withdrawn
A MAN has withdrawn his application to appeal against his sentence. Latchman Sharma told the court his sentence was ending in September. Sharma was sent to jail for absconding bail. His case had been transferred to the Magistrates Court. He was told by Justice Salesi Temo if he was guilty of the crime, he should plead guilty. Sharma is charged with forgery related offences.
Review ordered
THE court has ordered prison authorities to have a prisoner medically reviewed after he complained that he had not been in for a review after a surgery on his nose. Osea Namua told the court that after the prison breakout, authorities were tough and he was not allowed access to his disclosures nor was he allowed to wear flip flops in jail. The court ordered that he be allowed access to his disclosures and he be medically examined.