Mau and Pratap trial moved to October

The High Court in Suva today moved former Post Fiji Managing Director Peni Mau and Manager Finance Dhirendra Pratap's case for trial to next month.

Pratap and Mau will appear for trial on October 3, 2012 as it will not proceed on September 10, 2012, the initial day that it had been set for.

Appearing before High Court Judge Justice Prabaharan Kumararatnam, Pratap’s lawyer Mehboo Raza said two volumes of documents was served late and if the court could consider the pressure the defence counsel would go through.

Mau’s counsel Barbara Malimali asked the court if the defence counsels can also have the list of witnesses and the assessors for the trial.

Malimali argued that the court should allow them to prepare themselves and in the interest of justice, the trial will be greatly affected.

Justice Kumararatnam gave September 17, 2012 for FICAC to file the amended agreed facts to the court before the trial.

Fourteen witnesses will be called for the case as the court will no longer receive any other initial witnesses.

FICAC prosecutor Rashmi Aslam told the court he will be presenting 14 witnesses while Malimali representing Mau will present three to four witnesses.

Mau is charged with one count of abuse of office while Pratap is charged with one count of aiding and abetting abuse of office and false certificate by public officers.

Justice Kumararatnam has also extended the bench warrant and bail for the Mau and Pratap.

By Ropate Valemei