The Acting Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), Lavi Rokoika, has shed light on the challenges surrounding the withdrawal of corruption cases from court. During her recent testimony before the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence, Rokoika identified several key factors influencing these withdrawals, including the age of the cases and the unavailability of witnesses.
Many of the cases currently being processed by FICAC date back over a decade, with some files originating as far back as 2013 and 2014. Rokoika expressed concern about the fading memories of witnesses, stating, “Sometimes these are cases from 2013, 2014 — very, very old cases — witnesses cannot recollect.” She highlighted that it can be difficult to recall events that occurred so long ago, further complicating the prosecution process.
The loss of key witnesses has also been a significant obstacle, with some witnesses passing away or migrating, which Rokoika termed one of the “main problems” prosecutors face. Changes in leadership within FICAC have led to decisions to withdraw certain cases, particularly when the public interest does not justify continued prosecution. Rokoika explained, “I say this because I’ve closed some cases; because I feel it’s not in the public interest for us to be going after $300.” She emphasized that every decision to withdraw a case is carefully considered in relation to public interest and resource allocation.
This situation underscores the importance of timely action and the establishment of effective judicial processes, which is a recurring theme in FICAC’s ongoing reform efforts. For instance, Rokoika has previously called for the reintroduction of a specialized anti-corruption court to alleviate the backlog of corruption cases resulting from the dissolution of the Anti-Corruption Division in 2023. She noted that the backlog prevents many cases from being heard in a timely manner, often resulting in stretched judicial resources and delays.
In the face of these challenges, FICAC is implementing a new strategic plan aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and fostering public confidence in its ability to combat corruption. Rokoika has initiated several reforms, including the establishment of a Special Taskforce to address long-standing cases and prioritize timely investigations.
While the challenges presented by aging cases and witness availability are significant, there remains a hopeful outlook for Fiji’s fight against corruption. Increased public awareness and ongoing efforts to bolster the judicial system could pave the way for a future where justice is delivered more swiftly and effectively, thus reinforcing the integrity of governance in Fiji.