Former SDL Party official, Jale Baba appeared in the Suva High Court yesterday however a decision is expected to be made later this month on whether his case will be heard in the High court.

Baba is charged with one count of attempted larceny and one count of conversion for allegedly attempting to sell a government vehicle for $700 to a Naitasiri farmer on March 13, 2000.

Judge Justice Daniel Goundar raised concern with the transference of the matter to the High Court saying that proper procedure was not followed by the Magistrates Court.

Justice Goundar was informed by the State lawyers that the Magistrate who oversaw the case in an earlier sitting was no longer on the bench and that the two key witnesses for the accused were dead.

Justice Goundar was also informed that the Magistrate was not sure of her jurisdiction and needed the High Court to clarify the issue of how the trial should proceed as the witnesses were dead.

However, Justice Goundar says that the transfer was invalid as he was not sure whether the High Court's opinion was being sought or whether the matter was to be held in the High Court.

The case has been adjourned until the 17th of this month where Justice Goundar will decide whether the case will go ahead or whether it will be called for a re-trial.


Story By: Paradise Tabucala