BY ROMINAH FAKA

The case against three people accused of fraud is set to be heard in court on February 4.

Joe Rex Raukaniu who claimed to be recruiting agent for seasonal work in Australia together with his workers Shirly Fa’aitoa and Elsie Vamily Nagive will faced court for plea on February 4 and for confirmation of lawyers for Nagive and Fa’aitoa.

On Tuesday this week the matter mention in court where prosecutor Jeremy Oiofa informed court that investigation for the matter has been completed and disclosures served to the defence counsel for Raukaniu.

Accused Fa’aitoa and Nagive who alleged to worked for Raukaniu are yet to be represented by counsels hence, court direct the prosecutor to served their disclosures to them personally in court for them to find a lawyer for their matter.

Matter is moved to February 4 for two accused to confirm their legal representative and for them to take their plea.

Joe Rex Raukaniu together with Elsie Vamily Nagive and Shirly Fa’aitoa charged for false pretence contrary to section 308 (a) read with section 21 of the Penal Code.

Police alleged on two separate occasions of an unknown date of February, 2023 accused informs the two separate complainants that he was one of the agents who recruit workers for Australia for seasonal.

It was alleged that accused took $2,500 from the first complainant and $2,300 from the second complainant.

Allegation further states that the accused later called the second complainant and ask another $1000 dollars.

Upon receiving the amount, Raukaniu told the two complainants that he will update them on the status of their names for the seasonal work.

However, the two-complainant waited but there’s no response from the accused regarding the seasonal work updates as he promised them.

So, the complainants allegedly went and lodge their complains to the police.

Selwyn Vaike appears for the crown and Jennifer Happilyn act for the accused.