Court clears Kamikamica of all allegations

Former Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica is now free of allegations after being charged a year ago with perjury and providing false information to a public servant. The Fiji Independent Commission against Corruption (FICAC) had accused Kamikamica of knowingly making a false statement under oath regarding his involvement in the appointment of the FICAC Commissioner.

“

FICAC was not able to prove their case beyond reasonable doubt and the key elements of the charge.

Kamikamica stepped down from his ministerial post after the charges were laid last July. His defense counsel argued that FICAC failed to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt, stating the prosecution could not demonstrate the falsity of the charges or that key elements were proven by witness testimony.

“

Kamikamica knowingly made a false statement under oath, claiming that he had nothing to do with the appointment of the FICAC Commissioner.

The prosecution's case hinged on allegations that Kamikamica falsely claimed no knowledge of Barbara Malimali's appointment as FICAC Commissioner. Evidence presented included testimony from Commission of Inquiry counsel Janet Mason and former Fisheries Minister Kalaveti Ravu. Mason testified about contradictory evidence regarding Kamikamica's knowledge of the appointment, stemming from Ravu's affidavit. Ravu alleged Kamikamica had approached him multiple times about his court case, informed him of Malimali's appointment, and asked for a letter to resolve the matter.

“

Kamikamica gave evidence before the 2024 Commission of Inquiry into the appointment of the FICAC Commissioner and that there was contradictory evidence regarding his knowledge of Barbara Malimali’s appointment.

However, during the inquiry, Kamikamica denied these allegations, stating he had no recollection of discussing Malimali's appointment with Ravu. The defense did not cross-examine Ravu but proceeded with a no-case-to-answer application. In a ruling today, the Suva Magistrate determined there was insufficient evidence to prove Kamikamica made a material false statement, thus dismissing the charges.

“

Ravu alleged Kamikamica approached him on three occasions about his court case, informed him of Malimali’s appointment as FICAC Commissioner and asked him to provide a letter so that his case could be sorted out with Malimali.