The case of sexual assault against President of the PNG Teachers Association Ugwalubu Mowana was struck out today at the Waigani Committal Court.
Mowana was arrested on May 9 over allegations of sexual assault in the work place that took place some three years ago. He first appeared in court on May 12.
The matter was struck out for want of prosecution after the investigating officer failed to produce investigation files within three months. It was also struck out after no information came to court regarding the progress of the investigations.
Magistrate Mekeo Gauli threw out the case saying although there is no law for the files to be produced in three months, the time frame is sufficient for the police to do their investigations.
Mowana’s case is struck out for now but not dismissed, meaning he can be re-arrested and charged for the same offense at a later date when the file are available.
His lawyer said they have been waiting for the last three months for police to produce their evidence however that was not done resulting in the case being struck out.
He was arrested on May 9 over allegations of sexual assault in the work place that took place some three years ago.
From Kaibola village, Losuia, Milne Bay province, the 53 year old was charged with two counts of sexual assault under section 349 of the Criminal code act.
Police Summary facts before the court shows that complainant, who is also a married woman claimed she was sexually touched on numerous occasions at the PNGTA office.
The first allegedly took place on Feb 10, 2012 and the last incident on Nov 15, 2013. Both incidents were allegedly reported to the CID Sexual Offense Squad office at Boroko but were never investigated.
She claims to have kept the assault secret from her husband for her marriage sake and also feared losing her job.
A formal police report was later made on May 7 this year at the Gerehu Police station that led to Mowana’s arrest.
He denied committing the offense.
(Loop PNG file picture of Mowana.)