BY ROMINAH FAKA
Investigation into the case of a man accused of being a fake seasonal work agent is still ongoing, court has been told.
Yesterday court gave summons for the police investigator to appear in court on December 6 for him to explain the delay and what the outstanding documents are.
Prosecution read to the court email sent by the investigator which said they were unable to furnish to the Office of Public Prosecution the complete file of defendant.
The email also said the investigators were yet to obtain report from the Director of the Labour Mobility Unit who is still overseas and will arrive this weekend.
The investigators also still searching for the three employees of the defendant, who reportedly collected monies from the victims in the name of the defendant and his recruiting agency.
Prosecution said these three people of interest are on the run with no fixed addresses after the arrest of the defendant. It is also allegedly reported that the defendant aided them to escape police arrest.
The police therefore asking the court for an adjournment of six to 10 days for investigators to complete the tasks and fully dress up the file and serve it to the Office of Public Prosecution.
Court adjourned to December 6 for mention and Officer Salopuka to appear in court and explain as to the delay in the investigations and the outstanding documents.
Defendant Joe Rex Raukaniu, 38, is charged with two counts of false pretence.
Police alleged on two separate occasions in February 2023 the defendant took a total of $5,800 from the two complainants promising them he would help the get seasonal work in Australia.
When nothing eventuated from this promise, the two complainants reported the matter to police.
Police went and arrest the accused and remand him in custody, later he was bail with $1000 and court imposed strict bail conditions on him.
Selwyn Vaike appears for the crown and Jenifer Happilyn act for the accused.
