Patel and Mau to be sentenced tomorrow

High Court Judge Justice Daniel Goundar is expected to sentence former Post Fiji Chairman Mahendra Patel and former Managing Director Peni Mau tomorrow after both were found guilty of abuse of office yesterday afternoon.

Justice Goundar overturned the three assessors’ not guilty verdict on Monday in relation to Mahendra Patel and concurred with the two assessors’ guilty verdict in relation to Peni Mau.

While handing down his ruling, Justice Goundar said it is not in dispute that Post Fiji Limited purchased an external Seiko clock for $75,000 from Motibhai and Company Limited.

The Judge said that he feels sure that Mau acted despotically by not calling tenders for the purchase of the clock.

He also said that Mau denied any knowledge of the existence of the manual that contained the tender procedures.

But evidence from one of the witnesses shows that Mau himself issued a circular to all the staff to understand the manual.

The Judge also said that he feels sure that Mahendra Patel was motivated by corporate greed to increase his personal wealth by authorizing the purchase of the clock from Motibhai.

He said that he feels sure that Patel personally gained from the transaction between Post Fiji and Motibhai.

Patel and Mau have been told to surrender their passports and their names to be placed on the non-departure list.

They have been released on bail and will appear for sentencing at 10am tomorrow.


Story by: Vijay Narayan and Tokasa Rainima