Three RFMF officers and a Labasa businessman who are charged with bribery offences appeared before Suva Magistrate Waleen George today to take their plea.
Businessman Ajesh Sharma and RFMF officer Elazar Luciano pleaded not guilty to the charges.
RFMF officers Waisale Sorokocika and Josese Radaniva did not take their plea as their lawyer Filimoni Vosorogo was not present in the Court.
The court was informed that Vosorogo has been facing difficulties in getting his practicing certificate renewed and therefore was unable to make an appearance.
Magistrate George informed Sorokocika and Radaniva that the matter has been prolonged for quite some time and if their lawyer Vosorogo is having difficulties then they should consider getting assistance from Legal Aid, hire another lawyer or choose to represent themselves.
Magistrate George gave them one month to sort out the matter.
It is alleged that Waisale Sorokacika from 1st April 2014 to 31st August 2015 while being an Assistant Purchasing Clerk with the RFMF accounts section without lawful authority solicited $5,404 from Ajesh Sharma.
Elazar Luciano while being employed at the RFMF as a Purchasing Accounts Officer at the Engineers Unit allegedly solicited $600 from Ajesh Sharma between the 1st to the 31st of August 2015.
It is alleged that Sharma offered an advantage of $5,404 to Sorokacika and $600 to Luciano.
It is also alleged that Josese Vusoniceva while being employed by the RFMF as a Workers Warrant Officer with the Engineers Unit accepted an advantage of $9,906 from Ajesh Sharma between 1st January to 30th of September in 2015 in Nadi.
Ajesh Sharma is alleged to have offered an advantage of $9,906 to Vusoniceva.
The case has been adjourned to the 23rd of November to fix a hearing date.
Bail has been extended for all accused.
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