The Suva Magistrates Court has ruled that former Member of Parliament Simione Rokomalo Rasova will face charges pertaining to providing false information and unlawfully obtaining over $21,000 in parliamentary allowances. Rasova is charged with one count of giving false information to a public servant and another count of acquiring a financial advantage.
The allegations date back to February 14, 2019, when Rasova allegedly misled then Acting Secretary-General to Parliament, Viniana Namosimalua, by claiming that Nabouwalu Village, Ono in Kadavu was his permanent residence. The prosecution argues that Rasova was aware that this assertion was false, leading to the approval of allowance claims for which he was not eligible.
The second charge accuses Rasova of improperly collecting a total of $21,350 in subsistence and travel allowances from July 1, 2019, to April 30, 2020, by falsely asserting that he lived more than 30 kilometers from Parliament. The prosecution maintains that he actually resided on Waimanu Road in Suva, which is under the 30-kilometer distance.
Rasova pleaded not guilty to both charges. The trial, which wrapped up in April 2024 after a seven-day hearing, saw the defense pushing for a no case to answer submission, claiming the prosecution had not met the prima facie standard. However, State counsel countered, arguing that the evidence presented sufficiently covered all elements of the charges.
Magistrate Pulekeria Low explained the legal requirements for a no case to answer submission, indicating that the court must determine whether there is enough evidence to potentially lead to a conviction. In her assessment, she found considerable relevant and admissible evidence implicating Rasova in the allegations.
Rasova has been granted 28 days to file an appeal against the court’s decision, which allows him the opportunity to contest the ruling if he opts to do so. This case highlights the significance of accountability in public office and emphasizes the serious consequences of misrepresentation in financial matters related to parliamentary responsibilities.