Another trial for Patel and Mau

Imprisoned former Post Fiji Chairman Mahendra Patel and former Managing Director Peni Mau will reappear in the High Court for another trial in September this year.

It has been confirmed that the trial has been set from September 5th to 23rd.

In this case Patel is charged with Mau and former Post Fiji General Manager Dhirendra Pratap.

Patel is charged with two counts of abuse of office and two counts of conspiracy to defraud.  

It is alleged that Patel did an arbitrary act in 2006, in that he purported to extend the contract of Peni Mau, for a term of three years without the authority of the Board or the Higher Salaries Commission.

Patel also allegedly approved payment of a retirement gratuity of $24, 000 to Mau who was not entitled to it.
 
Mau is also charged with one count of Extortion by Public Officers for allegedly receiving a final payment on retirement a gratuity of $24,000 and a purported FNPF refund of $35,813 for the performance of his duty as Managing Director which was beyond his proper pay and emoluments.

Dhirendra Pratap is charged with one count of aiding and abetting, abuse of office and false certificate by Public Officers.  

He allegedly gave a certificate which to his knowledge was false, saying that the Board of Directors of Post Fiji had passed a resolution on the 8th day of March 2007 to give Mau two years and four months’ salary and $24,000 gratuity on his early exit from employment.

The case is being heard before Justice Daniel Goundar.


Story by: Vijay Narayan