The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions has so far had a record year in the number of cases that have been disposed off successfully and they have also had a record conviction rate of 94 percent for the first eight months of the year.
State prosecutor, Ana Tuiketei said they have already finished off with 44 High Court trials, 152 Magistrates Court trials and 56 Fiji Court of Appeal hearings from January to August this year.
Tuiketei said in comparison with a full bench as in 2004, the Southern division's completed trials for this year is already 29 compared to 6 in the year 2004.
She said with 41 state prosecutors to serve the whole country, this is a major achievement, keeping in mind that the DPP's Office looks after the other issues apart from such trials.
Tuiketei said they have also drawn up a curriculum for the Police CID officers who have to undergo the training to understand the procedures and laws like the Crimes Decree.
Deputy DPP, David Toganivalu said the judiciary is also ensuring that cases in all divisions are moving ahead.
He revealed that the Office of the DPP has also been strengthened with the highest number of state prosecutors ever which amounts to 41 lawyers.
Tuiketei also confirmed that the DPP lawyers are handling a total of 700 new case files for this year alone.
Story by: Vijay Narayan
Feature
DPP’s Office records highest number of completed trials, 94% conviction rate
