A Labasa businessman and a former rural advisory assistant in the north have been jointly charged with false pretence by FICAC after complaints by church members.

The owner of Babasiga Hire and Hardware Supplies Jai Surendra is alleged to have produced delivery notes and invoices to Siteri Waqa to process payments of building materials to the Nasea Methodist Church.

It is alleged that an $8000 cheque was then issued to Surendra from Waqa from the Ministry of Multi Ethnic Affairs for the delivery of building supplies, however, the church members had complained that they have not received the supplies to this day.

Waqa, who was unrepresented, pleaded guilty to the charges and has been advised by Magistrate Ropate Cabealawa to seek legal advice due to the seriousness of the charge.

Surendra pleaded not guilty.

The two have been released on bail with strict conditions and the case is adjourned to a later date.