National Library and Archives boss in court

The case involving the alleged misuse of funds belonging to the National Library and Archives was mentioned at the Waigani Committal court for the first time yesterday.

Lawyer representing the Corporate Service Manager of the National Library and Archives Timothy Numara appeared before Magistrate Cosmas Bidar but without his client in court.

The charges against Numara were read in court before the matter was transferred to another magistrate who will be dealing with Numara and his two co-accused Jacob Hevelawa and Miriam Hevelawa.

Bidar said the matter will go before Magistrate John Kaumi and the three accused are expected back in court on Feb 26 for mention.

Numara was arrested Jan 27 in Port Moresby and charged with one count each of abuse of office, dishonestly applying K118,846.30 to his own use and conspiracy to defraud the State of the said amount.

The 55-year-old is from Warupu village, Aitape District of West Sepik Province and is out on a bail of K6,000.

It is alleged Numara together with the former director of the National Library and Archives  Jacob Hevelawa corruptly awarded a contract for grass cutting, landscaping and rubbish removal  to Paja Sisters limited, a company owned by  Jacob Hevelawa’s wife Miriam Hevelawa.

The project was allegedly paid in three lots of payment totalling K118,846.30, an amount not justified by the actual work done.

Both Jacob and Mirriam Hevelawa were arrested and charged in Wewak last month. Their case has been transferred to the Waigani Committal Court.

 

Author: 
Sally Pokiton