The then Public Works Department’s seven former workers charged with various counts of abuse of office, causing a loss and obtaining financial advantage have been told by Suva High Court Judge Justice, Salesi Temo to think about their plea carefully.
The former workers include Ana Laqere, Amelia Vunisea, Vaciseva Lagai, Vilisi Tuitavuki, Laisa Halafi, Tavenisa Tavaga and Kinivialiame Taviraki who are serving prisoners.
They are charged along with Professional Stationery Director Salesh Bikash.
Justice Temo told them that they have three different files and if they take an early plea they can serve their prison terms concurrently.
He says that if they plead not guilty then it may take some time for their trial to start and if convicted they may have to serve a new prison term.
The case will called on 20th November for plea and to set the trial date.
It is alleged that between 1st January and 31st May 2010, they processed false payments to Professional Stationeries and caused the then PWD a loss of $34,236.77.
