Plot was to be executed during Christmas 2007

A Military Intelligence Officer has told the Suva High Court this morning that the alleged plot to assassinate Prime Minister, Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama and others was to be executed during the festive season in December, 2007.

This was revealed by the State witness Auta Natuinivalu who is currently being cross examined by Defence Counsel, Mehboob Raza.

Natuinivalu told the court that one of the accused, Sivaniolo Naulago told him that the plan was to be executed during the Christmas period when all the soldiers would be on leave.

Upon questioning by Raza, Natuinivalu stated that his mission in the group was to recover the weapons which they believed was missing since the 1987 coup and they have been searching ever since.

When questioned on what efforts were made to enquire where the weapons were, Natuinivalu responded they were told by one of the accused that the weapons will be bought, and the arrangements were to be made by businessman, Ballu Khan.

He said no time frame was given.

Natuinivalu said that he was surprised to hear of the arrest of the accused persons in November, 2007 but he said he was not surprised that Lance Corporal Peniasi Kuli was also arrested as he was part of all the meetings that took place.

He told the court he did not contact Kuli after that.

Raza also questioned the witness on whether five to six men could attack the Military camp and take over the Armoury.

Natuinivalu said this could not be done and he did not know whether the others would have been involved.

Raza continues to highlight the discrepancies between Natuinivalu's police statement and his evidence in court regarding the exact time and days for the meetings that took place at that time.

Natuinivalu responded by saying that when he was giving his statement, he was questioned for about four hours and he was tired and just wanted to go home.

During the cross examination Raza also questioned the witness on why his group leader Peniasi Kuli constantly reminded them of staying true to the RFMF.

Natuinivalu responded that Kuli kept stressing the point to them that they must remain true to the RFMF as in the past experience during the 2000 coup, some of the undercover military personnel who were in Parliament did not carry out the military's orders.

The cross examination continues.