A former court officer has been sentenced to 25 months in prison for providing false information and mishandling public funds. Isoa Matanitobua, 43, who is now a legal practitioner in Suva, faced more than ten charges, including general dishonesty and giving false information to a public servant, connected to actions taken between 2015 and 2016.
While serving as the officer in charge at the Sigatoka Magistrate’s Court, Matanitobua was found guilty of misleading a licensing officer from the Land Transport Authority (LTA) by failing to conduct proper searches. He directed his staff to sign documents without following the required procedures, fully aware that the information given was inaccurate. This misinformation led the LTA to erroneously issue renewed driver’s licenses to several individuals who were not eligible due to unpaid traffic fines.
Moreover, Matanitobua unlawfully pocketed $1,616.50 from these individuals but did not declare this income. In light of his offenses, the court mandated that Matanitobua serve concurrent 25-month sentences for each count. Additionally, his legal practicing certificate has been suspended following his admission to the bar in 2022.
This case serves as a significant reminder of the vital importance of integrity and accountability in public service positions, reinforcing the message that such misconduct will not be tolerated.