Prosecution Withdraws Case of WAF Employees

The Lautoka Magistrates Court yesterday withdrew the case against 29 employees of the Water Authority of Fiji. The group were initially charged with unlawful assembly. This was after they were allegedly involved in an assembly on May 1, last year in Lautoka, and had failed to disperse despite being asked to by a Police officer.

Defence lawyer Mark Anthony had made representations to the prosecution regarding the charge.

State prosecutor Preninka Lata was to inform the court of their position on this. Ms Lata told the court that the State’s position in the case would be to withdraw the charges on the accused persons.

Mr Anthony also sought orders from Magistrate Vodokisolomone for the Police to return all the items belonging to the National Union of Workers that were taken during the time of arrest.

The group included Manueli Yawayawa, Emosi Ravatu Naicevu, Tevita Rauga, Vonipate Tauvoli, Atonio Rokoura, Nabakete,Letia Ratu, Lemeki Ulukadavu Vatuloka, Marika Banuve, Aisea Baleilekutu, Etuate Naba, Savenaca Waqavou, Aisake King, Lara Moceyawa, Atonio Niumataiwalu, Wame Savou, Tukeni Sucuvou, Ilisoni Tahinadavui, Atuinaisa Vuidreketi, Epeli Ratabacaca, Samuela Tukana, Mosese Duilomaloma Saumaki, Viliame Momo, Samisoni Tagane, Epeli Kurukitoga Tikomaisinamalo, Maika Tavutu, Meli Meke, Sitiveni Kunataci, Sekove Naivakatoka and Tuliasi Tamanivalu.Edited

by Caroline Ratucadra