FICAC investigator, Loraini Seru agreed in the Suva Magistrates court today, that it is not a crime if a witness wishes to not give a statement in relation to an investigation.
Seru was the main witness in the case brought by FICAC against former Fiji Sports Council Chairman Rajendra Chaudhry and former Fiji Sports Council Human Resources Manager, Losalini Waqausa, who are charged with obstructing a FICAC officer in the execution of her duties.
While giving evidence, Seru revealed that she spoke to Waqausa on the phone and she had agreed to give a second statement in relation to allegations of misuse of funds by former Sports Council CEO Alice Tabete.
However, during cross examination Defence Counsel for the two accused Mehboob Raza questioned Seru whether a person can be forced to give a statement and whether Waqausa was committing an offence by refusing to give a statement. Seru answered, "No it is not an offence".
Raza also read out Seru's statement to FICAC that after Waqausa informed her that she will not give another statement and the matter should be taken up to the board, Seru is quoted telling Waqausa that she would seek legal advice before any further steps are taken. Seru was quoted as saying that Waqausa be charged with obstruction of justice and that she felt Waqausa was acting in a suspicious manner when she refused to give another statement.
The case continues this hour.
