Naitasiri High Chief Ratu Inoke Takiveikata this afternoon pleaded not guilty to the one count of inciting to mutiny in relation to the November 2000 attempted mutiny retrial.

As the trial got underway, the charge was read out to Takiveikata where it is alleged that Takiveikata between 16th August to the 24th of September in 2000, approached two Army officers namely Shane Stevens and Manoa Benafasio to attempt a takeover at the Queen Elizabeth Barracks in November of the same year.

DPP Lawyer David Toganivalu said a total of 23 state witnesses are expected to be called during the trial, ranging from police officers to Army officers and technicians.

Toganivalu addressing the assessors also revealed that since the offence is alleged to have taken place close to ten years ago, many of the witnesses will not be able to recall the exact date and time but are alleged to have been part of the group that took part in the takeover.

The case will start tomorrow morning at 9.30am where the first state witness will take to the stand.


Story by: Paradise Tabucala