Serious concerns have been raised on the administration within the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions which has caused delays in dealing with certain high profile cases.
In the high court this morning, Qaranivalu Ratu Inoke Takiveikata's pretrial conference for his November 2000 mutiny case was to have started before Judge Justice Paul Madigan.
However, DPP John Rabuku informed the court that they are unable to proceed as they are recompiling the files on Ratu Inoke relating to the events of 2000 and trying to locate all other related files.
He said since the change in office early this year, they need to sort out administrative matters to be able to proceed.
Defence counsel Akuila Naco called on the DPP to be more transparent and to get their house in order so that he can prepare to defend his client.
Soon after, the case of businessman Dhansuk Lal Bhika was called.
DPP John Rabuku revealed that after looking through Bhika's files, they discovered that the charges of conspiracy did not meet the particulars in the case and they now intend to amend the charges to abuse of office.
Lawyer Mehboob Raza raised concerns on the continuous saga of delays by the DPP saying it is not fair on his client, who is a well renowned figure and referred to him as Mr Hibiscus.
He said the charges have been amended previously and the actions are causing serious injustice to his client.
Raza and the other defense counsel in the case informed Judge Madigan that they wish to file a motion of stay on all proceedings as the case has been pending for over two years without much progress.
However, Judge Madigan stated that he will not entertain a stay application at this stage and has given the DPP two months time to get their act together.
The judge also raised concerns with Rabuku that the Office of the DPP has not been adhering to undertakings given in court and that the counsel for the State needs to ensure all administrative matters are sorted out as soon as possible.
Bhika's case is adjourned to November 4th and the trial is now set for July 2010.
Concerns raised over admin of DPP Office
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