26 Jul 2005

Coup trial of Fiji transport minister hears he took illegal oath

8:40 am on 26 July 2005

The coup trial of Fiji's transport minister, Simione Kaitani, has been told that he took an illegal oath to be sworn in as a minister in George Speight's failed administration in May 2000.

Radio Legend reports that this was part of the evidence given by police corporal Mesake Waqa.

Corporal Waqa told the Suva High Court that a police raid on the office of the jailed former deputy Speaker of parliament, Ratu Rakuita Vakalabure, had resulted in the seizure of four copies of oaths taken by purported ministers.

He said one of the copies was signed by Kaitani who had been sworn in as the minister for primary industries.

The other three had the signatures of the other accused in the current case - Lepani Tonitonivanua, Eroni Lewaqai and Viliame Sausauwai who had been sworn in as assistant ministers in the illegal regime.

Corporal Waqa said Kaitani had told a police interview that he could not recall signing an oath but admitted the signature could have been his.

The trial continues today