The first state witness in the trial of Naitasiri High Chief, Ratu Inoke Takiveikata today revealed in the Suva High court how they tried to contact some former CRW unit members to plan the removal of the Army Commander and take over Queen Elizabeth Barracks in 2000.

Upon cross examination by the State Lawyer, Pita Bulamainivalu,
Maciusela Turagacati said he, Ratu Inoke, former CRW officer Peni Nacuaniwai, and others allegedly met at the Seventh Day Adventist Camp site in Deuba on 6th August 2000.

During the meeting Ratu Inoke was allegedly informed by former CRW officer, Nacuaniwai that his wishes can be fulfilled however former CRW soldiers need to be contacted who were in camp.

Turagacati also revealed that they wanted to look for some former CRW soldiers at large and he had suggested for a rental car.

He confirmed that Ratu Inoke allegedly said not to worry about the money as they can get a rental car.

Turagacati said the next morning he went to the Native Land Trust Board office in Suva where the Secretary of the then General Manager, the late Maika Qarikau gave him a cheque of $476.20 as the issuer was Qarikau.

He cashed the cheque and took the money to Avis Rentals at Walu Bay to get a rental car for two days.

The witness said he took the vehicle to Waidalice and informed former CRW soldier, Peni Sokiveta that they now have a vehicle and they went to meet Ratu Inoke at his residence at the Naitasiri Provincial office at River road, Nausori.

They could not meet him and they went to another former CRW soldier Jale Kadi's residence.

These soldiers were taken to the seawall near Suva Civic Center where Turagacati told them about Ratu Inoke's alleged wishes.

The soldiers then told them that they will have to ask the leader of former CRW Unit Captain Shane Stevens.
 
The soldiers then relayed the message to Captain Stevens and after a few days, Ratu Inoke and other former CRW soldiers were invited for a meeting at Captain Shane Steven's home at Ragg Avenue in Tamavua.

Takiveikata is charged with one count of inciting to mutiny between 6th August and 24th September 2000 where it is alleged that he knowingly incited Captain Shane Stephens and Sergeant Manoa Bolafasio to unlawfully take over Queen Elizabeth Barracks.

The case continues in the High Court.


Story by: Ronal Deo