Magistrate to decide on admissibility of evidence in Ravu and Toaisi’s trial

Magistrate Jeremiah Savou will sit this afternoon to listen to the submissions and objections, after which he will decide whether the evidence in the trial of former Minister for Fisheries and Forests Kalaveti Ravu and Forests Manager Regional North Tekata Toaisi will be admissible.

This after Ravu and Toaisi’s lawyers objected to how the evidence was obtained in their case.

Four witnesses have taken the stand so far while four more are yet to provide evidence.

It is alleged that between 25th July 2023 and 31st August 2023, Ravu as the Minister for Fisheries interfered in the lawful process of a Ministry of Forestry investigation into the illegal trade of banned species of beche-de-mer.

It is alleged that Toaisi, while employed with the Ministry, aided and abetted the former Minister in committing the offence of abuse of office.