Chief speaks against act

Tui Macuata Ratu Wil iame Katonivere has condemned the act of pardoning people who have committed serious crimes through the iTaukei traditional practice known as bulubulu. Ratu Wiliame said it was a disgraceful act and an insult to iTaukei culture and traditions.

“This is something traditional leaders should be very cautious about,” Ratu Wiliame said. “Before accepting the apology they should think about the seriousness of the case.” He noted these crimes were not like trespassing fishing areas or stealing coconuts from the neighbour’s farm where the traditional apology applies. “Traditional leaders cannot accept the apology as the people’s voice has to be heard.”

Ratu Wiliame said the traditional leaders cannot use this to overrule the law.

“The law is broken and the person has to face the consequences and chiefs should not interfere with Police work.” His comments come after the iTaukei Affairs Board and the Methodist Church of Fiji and Rotuma also spoke against the misue of the traditional practice. iTaukei Affairs Board deputy secretary Apakuki Kurusiga said: “Traditional apology must not be used by a law breaker and must not be accepted and be used as evidence in a court of law.” Methodist Church general secretary Reverend Epineri Vakadewavosa said: “The church has issues where traditional apologies were used but would not interfere with the Police investigation when the law is broken.”

Edited by Ranoba Baoa