Court Rules Caution Interview Admissible in Abuse of Office Case

The Suva Magistrates Court has ruled that a caution interview conducted with former government employee Talica Veiraurau is admissible in court as evidence.

Resident Magistrate Charles Ratakele delivered the ruling on 20 May 2025. Ms. Veiraurau is facing one count of Abuse of Office for allegedly lodging a caveat over a native lease on the Titles Deeds Registration System (TDRS) without proper documentation.

The alleged offence occurred while she was employed as a Clerical Officer at the Office of the Registrar of Lands, Titles and Deeds between 11 March and 20 March 2020.

The defence challenged the admissibility of statements made during a caution interview with the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), raising eight grounds.

Among the claims were allegations that Ms. Veiraurau was not adequately informed of the reasons for the interview, her right to remain silent, or the consequences of waiving that right.

She also argued that she was not given a private opportunity to consult legal counsel and that her statements were obtained under oppressive conditions—claims said to breach Sections 13(1) and 14(2) of the Fijian Constitution.

However, in ruling on the voir dire application, RM Ratakele said:

“Having reviewed the evidence and testimony presented by FICAC, the court finds the evidence compelling.”

He noted that the audio-visual recordings, their transcriptions, and consistent witness testimonies confirmed the interview was conducted lawfully.

“The defendant answered all questions without coercion or threats,” he said.

“Accordingly, the caution interview is admissible as evidence.”

The case has been adjourned to 29 May 2025 for mention to fix a hearing date.