SA diplomat takes off as Fiji still awaits word from Pretoria

Questions are being raised on why the South African government has not waived the diplomatic immunity of a 59-year-old diplomat who allegedly caused the death of a Fijian citizen.

The Fijian government is still waiting for the South African government to waive the South Africa diplomat’s immunity so that he can be charged for causing the death of 26-year old Nadera resident, Ashneel Singh in a road accident at Edinburgh Drive on October 2nd.

Fijivillage has received confirmation from Fijian Foreign Minister, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola that they have already written to the South African government asking for the lifting of the immunity privileges of the 59-year-old South African so that charges can be laid against him.

Ratu Inoke said Fiji is yet to receive any communication from Pretoria.

The Minister said he has also been informed that the diplomat left Fiji over the weekend.

Ratu Inoke said this is a serious concern as a Fijian citizen lost his life in the road accident.

We have been checking with the South African High Commission on when a decision will be made since early last week.

They had said that they were awaiting word from Pretoria.

Fijivillage has again sent through questions to the South African High Commission asking whether the diplomatic immunity of the 59-year-old diplomat will be waived and why the diplomat has left the country.

The South African High Commission had confirmed on October 6th that they had reported the incident regarding the involvement of the South African diplomat in the fatal accident to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation in Pretoria for consideration.

The High Commission said in the last hour that the Department of International Relations and Cooperation has been kept abreast of developments regarding this matter, and at this stage, the matter is still under consideration.

It said further responses to the questions we have raised would be known after the Head Office has communicated its decision, which would clarify the situation.

Ashneel Singh died in the accident after the diplomat’s vehicle had a head‑on‑collision with his vehicle.

The Police Commissioner had said he was informed about the incident by the Director of Traffic at about 12.30am on October 3rd and the diplomat was at Totogo Police Station, after an alcohol test.