Pastor in court over alleged quake, tsunami prophesy
The trial of Nadi pastor Leone Kacimaimuri started at the Magistrates Court in Suva yesterday. Reverend Kacimaimuri had allegedly prophesied that an earthquake and tsunami would hit Fiji on June 23, 2010.
He was charged in 2010 for one count of malicious act in contravention of the Public Order Act.
State witness, Police Inspector, Samuela Vakaloloma told the court he was the investigating officer in the case.
He has been with the Fiji Police Force over the past 20 years and his role was usually investigating cases.
“I record statements, look for evidences, conduct interviews and charge suspects,” Inspector Vakaloloma said.
He also told the court that his role in the case was ‘investigating officer’.
Inspector Vakaloloma said at that time he was attached at the major crime unit at the CID Headquarters. He told the court that he was alerted when an email from Bill Gavoka was shown to him. Inspector Vakaloloma said he went as far as Sigatoka, Lautoka and Queen Victoria School whilst carrying out investigations. Speaking on the content of Gavoka’s email, he said that Mr Gavoka had emailed his two daughters holding posts at one of Nadroga’s resorts warning them to protect themselves and their staffs. The court heard that Mr Gavoka’s email contained an attachment of a prophecy by Reverend Kacimaimuri that an earthquake and tsunami would hit Fiji on June 23rd 2010.
He said the suspect was then interviewed who was a reverend at that time.
Inspector Vakaloloma also revealed a few other recipients to the email most of them were tourism operators.
While cross examining, the defendant’s lawyer, Salanieta Kunatuba asked Inspector Vakaloloma as to why he didn’t charge Mr Gavoka for sending emails on the issue.
Inspector Vakaloloma replied that he didn’t remember whether he charged Mr Gavoka or not. Mr Kunatuba than further questioned if most of the recipients to the email were tourism operators, why weren’t they charged too. Inspector Vakaloloma said the content of email stated that Mr Gavoka was emailing his daughters who were involved in tourism operations.
The trial continues today.