Sainiana Radrodro Trial Starts

Radrodro was charged with 11 counts of obtaining financial advantage by deception

Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) yesterday presented their first witness in their case against former Department of Works spokesperson Sainiana Waqainabete Radrodro in the Suva Magistrates Court. Magistrate Waleen Geroge was told Radrodro was charged with 11 counts of obtaining financial advantage by deception.

She is alleged to have obtained financial advantage by falsely using the Minister for Works’ name to obtain a total of $9560 over 11 separate occasions between May of 2010 and June 2011.

First to take the stand for the prosecution yesterday was the Director of Fair Deal Earth Moving Pramod Kumar. Mr Kumar told the court that on at least seven occasions, Radrodro had called him asking for money while claiming that she was doing so on behalf of the Works Minister. Minister for Works at the time of the alleged incident was Timoci Natuva. Mr Kumar informed the court that on each of the seven occasions when Radrodro asked for money, she had informed him that it was for “Christmas party”, “farewell party” or other for the “purchase of Bibles.” During examination under FICAC prosecutor Rashmi Aslam, Mr Kumar said that the former Minister for Works had not contacted him directly at any point and neither were any official receipts or acknowledgments received. The money is alleged to have been deposited directly to Radrodro’s account.

Mr Kumar told the court that on at least seven occasions, Radrodro had called him asking for money while claiming that she was doing so on behalf of the Works Minister.

FICAC is represented by Mr Aslam and Sam Savumiramira for the prosecution and Radrodro is being represented by defence lawyer AkuilaNaco. Defence lawyer Mr Naco asked Mr Kumar the procedure in his company when giving donations. Mr Kumar said: “It goes through the accounts department but for Ms Radrodro when she called I just told my accounts section to make a cheque even though there were no formal letters.” Mr Kumar and the Ministry of Works had a contract of $16 to $17 million.

The trial continues today.