Charges have been laid against Deputy Prime Minister, Manoa Kamikamica.
According to the Magistrates Court cause list, Kamikamica has been charged by FICAC.
He is charged with perjury and giving false information to a public servant.
Kamikamica's mobile phone was seized during the execution of a search warrant in July this year.
Charges laid against Deputy PM KamikamicaBy Vijay Narayan 20/10/2025
Deputy Prime Minister Manoa KamikamicaCharges have been laid against Deputy Prime Minister, Manoa Kamikamica.
According to the Magistrates Court cause list, Kamikamica has been charged by FICAC.
He is charged with perjury and giving false information to a public servant.
Kamikamica's mobile phone was seized during the execution of a search warrant in July this year.
This followed allegations levelled against him in the Commission of Inquiry report into the appointment of Barbara Malimali as FICAC Commissioner.
Kamikamica had earlier made it clear to fijivillage News that the claims were malicious.
We have contacted Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka. He is yet to comment.
The case will be called in the Suva Magistrates Court on Wednesday.
Charges have been laid against Deputy Prime Minister, Manoa Kamikamica.
According to the Magistrates Court cause list, Kamikamica has been charged by FICAC.
He is charged with perjury and giving false information to a public servant.
Kamikamica's mobile phone was seized during the execution of a search warrant in July this year.
This followed allegations levelled against him in the Commission of Inquiry report into the appointment of Barbara Malimali as FICAC Commissioner.
Kamikamica had earlier made it clear to fijivillage News that the claims were malicious.
We have contacted Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka. He is yet to comment.
The case will be called in the Suva Magistrates Court on Wednesday.
Kamikamica has stepped down as Deputy PM - RabukaHe will remain a MP and focus on clearing his name - PM
By Vijay Narayan 21/10/2025
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Co-operatives, Small and Medium Enterprises and Communications, Manoa Kamikamica has stepped down from his position.
Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka has confirmed to fijivillage News that Kamikamica informed him today of his decision to step down from Cabinet and from his position as Deputy Prime Minister.
Rabuka says Kamikamica will be returning to the country tomorrow, and his final day serving as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister will be tomorrow.
The Prime Minister says Kamikamica will remain a Member of Parliament and will focus on clearing his name in relation to the charges laid against him by FICAC.
Rabuka says he has accepted Kamikamica's decision to step down, and Kamikamica has assured the Prime Minister of his unwavering commitment to the Government and the people of Fiji.
Rabuka says he will be overseeing his portfolio responsibilities for the foreseeable future.
Charges have been laid against Kamikamica.
According to the Magistrates Court cause list, Kamikamica has been charged by FICAC.
He is charged with perjury and giving false information to a public servant.
Kamikamica's mobile phone was seized during the execution of a search warrant in July this year.
This followed allegations levelled against him in the Commission of Inquiry report into the appointment of Barbara Malimali as FICAC Commissioner.
Kamikamica had earlier made it clear to fijivillage News that the claims were malicious.
The case will be called in the Suva Magistrates Court tomorrow.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Co-operatives, Small and Medium Enterprises and Communications, Manoa Kamikamica has stepped down from his position.
Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka has confirmed to fijivillage News that Kamikamica informed him today of his decision to step down from Cabinet and from his position as Deputy Prime Minister.
Rabuka says Kamikamica will be returning to the country tomorrow, and his final day serving as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister will be tomorrow.
The Prime Minister says Kamikamica will remain a Member of Parliament and will focus on clearing his name in relation to the charges laid against him by FICAC.
Rabuka says he has accepted Kamikamica's decision to step down, and Kamikamica has assured the Prime Minister of his unwavering commitment to the Government and the people of Fiji.
Rabuka says he will be overseeing his portfolio responsibilities for the foreseeable future.
Charges have been laid against Kamikamica.
According to the Magistrates Court cause list, Kamikamica has been charged by FICAC.
He is charged with perjury and giving false information to a public servant.
Kamikamica's mobile phone was seized during the execution of a search warrant in July this year.
This followed allegations levelled against him in the Commission of Inquiry report into the appointment of Barbara Malimali as FICAC Commissioner.
Kamikamica had earlier made it clear to fijivillage News that the claims were malicious.
The case will be called in the Suva Magistrates Court tomorrow.
Wylie Clarke says charges against Manoa Kamikamica are fundamentally flawedKamikamica's bail hearing set for this Friday
By Mansi Chand, Vijay Narayan 22/10/2025
Suva lawyer, Wylie Clarke who is representing Member of Parliament, Manoa KamikamicaSuva lawyer, Wylie Clarke who is representing Member of Parliament, Manoa Kamikamica says the charges laid by FICAC against Member of Parliament, Manoa Kamikamica are fundamentally flawed, incredibly defective and there is absence of sufficient particulars.
Clarke also says that in their submission, they have written to FICAC to withdraw the charges.
He says during the caution interview, the text messages which were provided as evidence by FICAC was also flawed.
Clarke also raised the matter that Acting FICAC Commissioner, Lavi Rokoika has no power to charge Kamikamica as she was not appointed in accordance with the law.
Principal State Counsel, Lilian Mausio informed Magistrates Charles Ratakele that Kamikamica was served with the charges on October 2nd.
Mausio responded that this is not the right forum to bring these things up.
However Clarke says he will apply for a stay in the proceedings in the High Court.
Clarke is now waiting for FICAC's response regarding his request for the withdrawal of charges against Kamikamica.
Mausio says she will respond by tomorrow afternoon.
Kamikamica wasn't present in court as he is still travelling from overseas and will return this evening.
He has been charged by FICAC with perjury and giving false information to a public servant.
Kamikamica's bail hearing is set for 2.30pm this Friday.
Suva lawyer, Wylie Clarke who is representing Member of Parliament, Manoa Kamikamica says the charges laid by FICAC against Member of Parliament, Manoa Kamikamica are fundamentally flawed, incredibly defective and there is absence of sufficient particulars.
Clarke also says that in their submission, they have written to FICAC to withdraw the charges.
He says during the caution interview, the text messages which were provided as evidence by FICAC was also flawed.
Clarke also raised the matter that Acting FICAC Commissioner, Lavi Rokoika has no power to charge Kamikamica as she was not appointed in accordance with the law.
Principal State Counsel, Lilian Mausio informed Magistrates Charles Ratakele that Kamikamica was served with the charges on October 2nd.
Mausio responded that this is not the right forum to bring these things up.
However Clarke says he will apply for a stay in the proceedings in the High Court.
Clarke is now waiting for FICAC's response regarding his request for the withdrawal of charges against Kamikamica.
Mausio says she will respond by tomorrow afternoon.
Kamikamica wasn't present in court as he is still travelling from overseas and will return this evening.
He has been charged by FICAC with perjury and giving false information to a public servant.
Kamikamica's bail hearing is set for 2.30pm this Friday.
Kamikamica trial to begin tomorrow after court allows amended chargesBy Alipate Narawa 20/07/2026
The trial for former Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica will begin properly tomorrow after Suva Magistrate Charles Ratakele allowed FICAC to file amended charges today.
Magistrate Ratakele had earlier adjourned for 45 minutes while he made his decision regarding the amended charges.
FICAC counsel Josann Pene had asked for 14 days to serve the defence with the amended charges but defence counsel Wylie Clarke said they are still ready to go to trial.
Clarke says the sooner this is done the better, while all the information is still fresh.
Earlier, Pene had asked if they can amend the charges due to new information that they have just received this morning.
Clarke objected to this saying that they have spent their time and the whole weekend preparing for this trial on the agreed documents agreed to from last week.
Kamikamica is charged with perjury - Contrary to section 176(1) of the Crimes Act no. 44 of 2009.
According to the amended charge, Kamikamica between 1st December 2024 to 31st March 2025 at Suva in the Central Division, being lawfully sworn as a witness in a judicial proceeding namely a Commission of Inquiry into the appointment of the FICAC Commissioner, wilfully made a material statement on oath, namely, that he had no knowledge of the appointment of the FICAC Commissioner prior to her appointment dated 5th September 2024.
He is also charged with giving false information to a public servant where it is alleged that Kamikamica between 1st December 2024 to 31st March 2025, being lawfully a sworn as a witness in a judicial proceeding namely Commission of Inquiry into the appointment of the FICAC Commissioner, gave to the Commissioner of Inquiry (being a person employed in the civil service) information he knew or believed to be false, namely that he had no knowledge of the appointment of the FICAC Commissioner prior to her appointment dated 5th September 2024.
The trial for former Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica will begin properly tomorrow after Suva Magistrate Charles Ratakele allowed FICAC to file amended charges today.
Magistrate Ratakele had earlier adjourned for 45 minutes while he made his decision regarding the amended charges.
FICAC counsel Josann Pene had asked for 14 days to serve the defence with the amended charges but defence counsel Wylie Clarke said they are still ready to go to trial.
Clarke says the sooner this is done the better, while all the information is still fresh.
Earlier, Pene had asked if they can amend the charges due to new information that they have just received this morning.
Clarke objected to this saying that they have spent their time and the whole weekend preparing for this trial on the agreed documents agreed to from last week.
Kamikamica is charged with perjury - Contrary to section 176(1) of the Crimes Act no. 44 of 2009.
According to the amended charge, Kamikamica between 1st December 2024 to 31st March 2025 at Suva in the Central Division, being lawfully sworn as a witness in a judicial proceeding namely a Commission of Inquiry into the appointment of the FICAC Commissioner, wilfully made a material statement on oath, namely, that he had no knowledge of the appointment of the FICAC Commissioner prior to her appointment dated 5th September 2024.
He is also charged with giving false information to a public servant where it is alleged that Kamikamica between 1st December 2024 to 31st March 2025, being lawfully a sworn as a witness in a judicial proceeding namely Commission of Inquiry into the appointment of the FICAC Commissioner, gave to the Commissioner of Inquiry (being a person employed in the civil service) information he knew or believed to be false, namely that he had no knowledge of the appointment of the FICAC Commissioner prior to her appointment dated 5th September 2024.
Court told Kamikamica's affidavit did not add up with other evidenceBy Alipate Narawa 21/07/2026
The first FICAC witness in the case of former Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica testified in court today that after the Commission of Inquiry received his affidavit, some things did not add up.
Janet Mason who was the counsel assisting the Commission of Inquiry says that what was in Kamikamica's affidavit did not match up to what other respondents had stated.
Mason said in her cross examination in chief that Kamikamica did not state his relationship with former FICAC Commissioner Barbara Malimali on when he knew she was getting appointed as well as his interaction with Frances Puleiwai.
She further says that according to Government MP Kalaveti Ravu, Kamikamica approached him three times.
The witness says on the first occasion Kamikamica asked Ravu about his case, on the second if he knew that Malimali was going to be appointed FICAC Commissioner, while on the third occasion Ravu said that Kamikamica told him that if Malimali becomes Commissioner they can see FICAC about closing his case.
In the COI transcripts, when Kamikamica was asked if he spoke to Ravu he said he had asked about his case but had not said anything about Malimali or known of her appointment as FICAC Commissioner until after it was announced.
Mason is still being cross examined by defence counsel Wylie Clarke
Kamikamica is charged by FICAC for perjury and giving false information to a public servant.
The first FICAC witness in the case of former Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica testified in court today that after the Commission of Inquiry received his affidavit, some things did not add up.
Janet Mason who was the counsel assisting the Commission of Inquiry says that what was in Kamikamica's affidavit did not match up to what other respondents had stated.
Mason said in her cross examination in chief that Kamikamica did not state his relationship with former FICAC Commissioner Barbara Malimali on when he knew she was getting appointed as well as his interaction with Frances Puleiwai.
She further says that according to Government MP Kalaveti Ravu, Kamikamica approached him three times.
The witness says on the first occasion Kamikamica asked Ravu about his case, on the second if he knew that Malimali was going to be appointed FICAC Commissioner, while on the third occasion Ravu said that Kamikamica told him that if Malimali becomes Commissioner they can see FICAC about closing his case.
In the COI transcripts, when Kamikamica was asked if he spoke to Ravu he said he had asked about his case but had not said anything about Malimali or known of her appointment as FICAC Commissioner until after it was announced.
Mason is still being cross examined by defence counsel Wylie Clarke
Kamikamica is charged by FICAC for perjury and giving false information to a public servant.
Clarke questions Mason on whether she disclosed she had issues in NZ when taking up COI jobBy Alipate Narawa 22/07/2026
Former Deputy Prime Minister, Manoa Kamikamica's lawyer, Wylie Clarke called out FICAC's first witness, Janet Mason's credibility as he says the Commission of Inquiry expects candour and full disclosures from those that they question but yet Mason did not do the same.
During the cross-examination, Clarke referred to Mason's case in New Zealand, asking her before she accepted her apointment as counsel assisting with the COI if she had disclosed to the President that she had some issues, to which she said she did not.
Mason however said that she disclosed them to Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka.
While under cross examination by Clarke, Mason was asked if Kamikamica did not know, the Commission of Inquiry did not know, how was Kamikamica supposed to know that he had to offer up information that would be relevant.
Mason says they were trying to find out if Kamikamica knew what the complaint about him with FICAC was about.
Mason says that became apparent when they received the update.
She also told Clarke that the witnesses are under obligation to disclose anything that is relevant.
Clarke then asked how would Kamikamica know what is relevant or not if he does not know what he is being asked about, to which Mason says the COI knew that there were complaints, and Kamikamica was on the list as well as some other Members of Parliament.
Mason then went on to say that the Supervisor of Elections had released a list of people with complaints against them, however, the COI did not know what the complaints were about.
When questioned on whether the COI asked the Judicial Services Commission or the President's Office or even Lands Minister Filimoni Vosarogo who an unnamed source had told Frances Puleiwai that Barbara Malimali being appointed as FICAC Commissioner was being discussed in Cabinet, Mason said they did not.
The trial will continue today where FICAC's second witness, Government MP Kalaveti Ravu will take the stand.
Kamikamica is charged by FICAC for perjury and giving false information to a public servant.
Former Deputy Prime Minister, Manoa Kamikamica's lawyer, Wylie Clarke called out FICAC's first witness, Janet Mason's credibility as he says the Commission of Inquiry expects candour and full disclosures from those that they question but yet Mason did not do the same.
During the cross-examination, Clarke referred to Mason's case in New Zealand, asking her before she accepted her apointment as counsel assisting with the COI if she had disclosed to the President that she had some issues, to which she said she did not.
Mason however said that she disclosed them to Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka.
While under cross examination by Clarke, Mason was asked if Kamikamica did not know, the Commission of Inquiry did not know, how was Kamikamica supposed to know that he had to offer up information that would be relevant.
Mason says they were trying to find out if Kamikamica knew what the complaint about him with FICAC was about.
Mason says that became apparent when they received the update.
She also told Clarke that the witnesses are under obligation to disclose anything that is relevant.
Clarke then asked how would Kamikamica know what is relevant or not if he does not know what he is being asked about, to which Mason says the COI knew that there were complaints, and Kamikamica was on the list as well as some other Members of Parliament.
Mason then went on to say that the Supervisor of Elections had released a list of people with complaints against them, however, the COI did not know what the complaints were about.
When questioned on whether the COI asked the Judicial Services Commission or the President's Office or even Lands Minister Filimoni Vosarogo who an unnamed source had told Frances Puleiwai that Barbara Malimali being appointed as FICAC Commissioner was being discussed in Cabinet, Mason said they did not.
The trial will continue today where FICAC's second witness, Government MP Kalaveti Ravu will take the stand.
Kamikamica is charged by FICAC for perjury and giving false information to a public servant.
Manoa Kamikamica is a free man as no case to answer application succeedsBy Vijay Narayan, Mansi Chand 03/08/2026
Former Deputy Prime Minister, Manoa Kamikamica is a free man after winning his no case to answer application against FICAC.
Kamikamica was charged with perjury and giving false information to a public servant.
Magistrate Charles Ratakele delivered the ruling.
Stay with us for developments.
Meanwhile, Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption's second witness in the trial, Government MP, Kalaveti Ravu had earlier refused to reveal who questioned him about his case.
Ravu declined to disclose who had spoken to him about the case, saying the individuals were his colleagues in the current government.
FICAC had called two witnesses - Janet Mason, the counsel who assisted the COI as well as Kalaveti Ravu.
Stay with us for the latest updates.
Kamikamica to be sworn-in as DPM today - PMPM continues to defend Rokoika's appointment
By Rashika Kumar 04/08/2026
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has confirmed that Manoa Kamikamica will be reappointed as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Commerce, Trade and Communications, with his swearing-in expected today.
Rabuka says Kamikamica would return to a portfolio that is close to his heart and that the appointment had only been delayed because the necessary paperwork was not ready.
He says Kamikamica has come out a better and stronger person, been through the mill, and he is sure he is very happy with the outcome.
The Prime Minister also addressed speculation about the future leadership of the People's Alliance Party, revealing that he has long regarded Kamikamica as his heir.
When asked about rumours that Kamikamica had been investigated because he was seen as a potential challenger for the party leadership, Rabuka dismissed the suggestion.
He says taking over from him has got nothing to do with and he can give it to him, stressing that he is ready and it does not have to be a scheme or a conspiracy.
He said this had always been the understanding since the formation of the People's Alliance Party.
Rabuka also says while he remains confident about leading the party into the next general election, he is not taking victory for granted, adding they still have a lot of work to do.
Meanwhile, Rabuka has continued to defend Lavi Rokoika's appointment as FICAC Commissioner, stating that the status quo would remain while legal proceedings continue.
When questioned by fijivillage News that Rokoika's appointment was not through the Judicial Services Commission and the Constitution, Rabuka says the issue is currently before the courts and he would not interfere with the judicial process.
When questioned on the amount of taxpayers' money spent on the Commission of Inquiry and that nobody has been held accountable, Rabuka stressed that it is worth it.
He adds that the very fact that people know if they do something questionable, they will be subjected to the Government's investigative agencies is worthwhile.
PM continues to defend Rokoika's appointment
By Rashika Kumar 04/08/2026Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has confirmed that Manoa Kamikamica will be reappointed as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Commerce, Trade and Communications, with his swearing-in expected today.
Rabuka says Kamikamica would return to a portfolio that is close to his heart and that the appointment had only been delayed because the necessary paperwork was not ready.
He says Kamikamica has come out a better and stronger person, been through the mill, and he is sure he is very happy with the outcome.
The Prime Minister also addressed speculation about the future leadership of the People's Alliance Party, revealing that he has long regarded Kamikamica as his heir.
When asked about rumours that Kamikamica had been investigated because he was seen as a potential challenger for the party leadership, Rabuka dismissed the suggestion.
He says taking over from him has got nothing to do with and he can give it to him, stressing that he is ready and it does not have to be a scheme or a conspiracy.
He said this had always been the understanding since the formation of the People's Alliance Party.
Rabuka also says while he remains confident about leading the party into the next general election, he is not taking victory for granted, adding they still have a lot of work to do.
Meanwhile, Rabuka has continued to defend Lavi Rokoika's appointment as FICAC Commissioner, stating that the status quo would remain while legal proceedings continue.
When questioned by fijivillage News that Rokoika's appointment was not through the Judicial Services Commission and the Constitution, Rabuka says the issue is currently before the courts and he would not interfere with the judicial process.
When questioned on the amount of taxpayers' money spent on the Commission of Inquiry and that nobody has been held accountable, Rabuka stressed that it is worth it.
He adds that the very fact that people know if they do something questionable, they will be subjected to the Government's investigative agencies is worthwhile.
Manoa Kamikamica sworn in as DPM and Minister for Industries, Commerce, Business Development and Public EnterprisesBy Navitalai Naivalurua 04/08/2026
[Image: Fiji Government]Manoa Kamikamica has been sworn in as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Industries, Commerce, Business Development and Public Enterprises before the President of the Republic of Fiji, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, at State House.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and members of Kamikamica's family were present at the swearing-in ceremony.
Kamikamica took the Oath of Allegiance and the Oath of Due Execution of Office.
A Chartered Accountant by profession, Kamikamica brings more than 33 years of senior executive experience across the finance, aviation, banking and manufacturing sectors.
He previously served as Chief Financial Officer and General Manager of the Lyndhurst Group of Companies and also held senior positions with ANZ in Tonga, Fiji and Papua New Guinea.
He also spent more than 13 years with Fiji Airways, serving as General Manager Finance and General Manager Strategic Planning.
Kamikamica had resigned after he was charged by FICAC last year.
He was acquitted yesterday by Magistrate Charles Ratakele after it was ruled that he had no case to answer in relation to the charges brought up against him by FICAC.
Court ruling clearly shows that FICAC produced insufficient evidence against KamikamicaFICAC yet to comment
By Vijay Narayan 04/08/2026
As Manoa Kamikamica takes up the Deputy Prime Minister's position again from today, the Magistrates Court ruling clearly shows that there was insufficient evidence adduced to prove the elements of the charges against Kamikamica during FICAC's case.
Magistrate Charles Ratakele said FICAC witness and the counsel assisting the Commission of Inquiry, Janet Mason had conceded that she never directly asked Kamikamica if he had prior knowledge of Barbara Malimali's appointment as FICAC Commissioner.
The Magistrate said this further fortifies the position that the line of questioning or at least the issue of any prior knowledge by Kamikamica on the appointment of Malimali was not material to the COI proceedings.
He added that taking a step back and considering the evidence adduced by Mason, and the limited evidence adduced by Government MP, Kalaveti Ravu, and considering the agreed facts and documents, the Court finds that there is no evidence that Kamikamica made a material statement in relation to those proceedings.
The Magistrate said FICAC relied on Ravu's diary especially on the entry of August 5th, 2024, that Kamikamica allegedly had prior knowledge of the appointment of the FICAC Commissioner one month before the announcement.
However, Magistrate Ratakele said the Court has to be very clear as to how this diary can be used.
He said the Rule Against Hearsay allows only certain limited exceptions.
In this case, these diary entries were admitted under a hearsay exception only to prove the fact that the words were written, but, it cannot be used to prove the truthfulness of the statements contained within them.
The Magistrate said FICAC has not adduced evidence that the statement made by Kamikamica under oath in the COI proceedings was false or that he knew the statement was not true.
For the charge of giving false information, Magistrate Ratakele also stated that no evidence was adduced to prove this element during FICAC's case.
The Magistrate said Mason conceded that the issue of Kamikamica's prior knowledge fell outside the Commission of Inquiry's terms of reference and was not investigated.
Furthermore, Ravu provided no evidence to corroborate that the information provided by Kamikamica to the Commission was false.
fijivillage News has approached FICAC for comments.
We have also asked whether they have returned Kamikamica's mobile phone seized in July last year.
They are yet to comment.
Manoa Kamikamica has been sworn in as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Industries, Commerce, Business Development and Public Enterprises before the President of the Republic of Fiji, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, at State House.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and members of Kamikamica's family were present at the swearing-in ceremony.
Kamikamica took the Oath of Allegiance and the Oath of Due Execution of Office.
A Chartered Accountant by profession, Kamikamica brings more than 33 years of senior executive experience across the finance, aviation, banking and manufacturing sectors.
He previously served as Chief Financial Officer and General Manager of the Lyndhurst Group of Companies and also held senior positions with ANZ in Tonga, Fiji and Papua New Guinea.
He also spent more than 13 years with Fiji Airways, serving as General Manager Finance and General Manager Strategic Planning.
Kamikamica had resigned after he was charged by FICAC last year.
He was acquitted yesterday by Magistrate Charles Ratakele after it was ruled that he had no case to answer in relation to the charges brought up against him by FICAC.
FICAC yet to comment
By Vijay Narayan 04/08/2026As Manoa Kamikamica takes up the Deputy Prime Minister's position again from today, the Magistrates Court ruling clearly shows that there was insufficient evidence adduced to prove the elements of the charges against Kamikamica during FICAC's case.
Magistrate Charles Ratakele said FICAC witness and the counsel assisting the Commission of Inquiry, Janet Mason had conceded that she never directly asked Kamikamica if he had prior knowledge of Barbara Malimali's appointment as FICAC Commissioner.
The Magistrate said this further fortifies the position that the line of questioning or at least the issue of any prior knowledge by Kamikamica on the appointment of Malimali was not material to the COI proceedings.
He added that taking a step back and considering the evidence adduced by Mason, and the limited evidence adduced by Government MP, Kalaveti Ravu, and considering the agreed facts and documents, the Court finds that there is no evidence that Kamikamica made a material statement in relation to those proceedings.
The Magistrate said FICAC relied on Ravu's diary especially on the entry of August 5th, 2024, that Kamikamica allegedly had prior knowledge of the appointment of the FICAC Commissioner one month before the announcement.
However, Magistrate Ratakele said the Court has to be very clear as to how this diary can be used.
He said the Rule Against Hearsay allows only certain limited exceptions.
In this case, these diary entries were admitted under a hearsay exception only to prove the fact that the words were written, but, it cannot be used to prove the truthfulness of the statements contained within them.
The Magistrate said FICAC has not adduced evidence that the statement made by Kamikamica under oath in the COI proceedings was false or that he knew the statement was not true.
For the charge of giving false information, Magistrate Ratakele also stated that no evidence was adduced to prove this element during FICAC's case.
The Magistrate said Mason conceded that the issue of Kamikamica's prior knowledge fell outside the Commission of Inquiry's terms of reference and was not investigated.
Furthermore, Ravu provided no evidence to corroborate that the information provided by Kamikamica to the Commission was false.
fijivillage News has approached FICAC for comments.
We have also asked whether they have returned Kamikamica's mobile phone seized in July last year.
They are yet to comment.
