Verdict expected later today in Patel and Mau trial

The three assessors in the Mahendra Patel and Peni Mau abuse of office trial are expected to deliver their verdict later today.

Presiding Judge Justice Daniel Goundar will sum up the case at 10 o’clock this morning.

Following the summing up, the assessors will retire behind closed doors and return with a verdict.

The judge will then deliver his judgement on the case.

Mahendra Patel and Peni Mau are both charged with one count each of abuse of office.

It is alleged that former Post Fiji Managing Director Mau approved the purchase of an external Seiko clock for $75,000 from Prouds Fiji without following proper procedures and without the approval of the Post Fiji board.

Former Post Fiji Chairman Patel is alleged to have allowed the purchase of the Seiko clock from Prouds, a company owned by him and allegedly failed to disclose his interest and relationship with the company.

The abuse of office charge carries a maximum sentence of three years imprisonment.


Story by: Vijay Narayan