Former fisheries minister Kalaveti Ravu has been found not guilty of all charges related to abuse of office by the Suva Magistrate’s Court. Alongside regional fisheries manager Tekata Toaisi, Ravu was accused of hindering a lawful ministerial investigation into the illegal trade of a prohibited species of beche-de-mer in 2023.
Magistrate Jeremaia Savou announced the verdict, emphasizing that the prosecution failed to prove the necessary elements of the charges beyond a reasonable doubt. He noted that Ravu’s designation of not being a civil servant played a crucial role in the decision. Furthermore, the court ruled that the allegations against Toaisi, who was accused of assisting Ravu, were equally unfounded.
This ruling follows an earlier no-case-to-answer decision in February 2025, where both Ravu and Toaisi were acquitted before the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) successfully appealed for a retrial. The ODPP now has a period of 28 days to determine whether to challenge the magistrate’s latest ruling.
The acquittal represents a significant milestone in the ongoing legal proceedings concerning alleged misconduct in Fiji’s fisheries industry. It raises important questions regarding the efficacy of investigations into such matters and the judicial results they yield. This case highlights the critical need for strong evidence in legal proceedings, reinforcing the fundamental principle that individuals are deemed innocent until proven guilty. The outcome may ultimately encourage a more thorough and fair assessment in future cases, fostering confidence in Fiji’s judicial system and its commitment to justice.