Andy Bawa’s trial adjourned

Recent developments surrounding the case involving the former NCD Metropolitan Superintendent Andy Bawa has seen a trial which was supposed to commence on Monday adjourned to Wednesday.

The matter was adjourned to Wednesday this week after the State brought to the attention of the court that they received information that one of their witnesses also filed an affidavit or statement for the defence’s case.

This particular state witnesses’ “evidence provides bulk of state's case" and they (state) will now need time to go back and “rework” where they can proceed in light of the new development.

State sought an adjournment because they were "unaware of the contents of the statement”. Bawa’s lawyers refuted saying they are not receive such.

Deputy Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika however adjourned the matter to Wednesday to give the state and Bawa’s lawyers time to sort themselves out before the matter comes back to court.

On Nov 21,2016, the National Court fixed the trial date for three days commencing on Monday Feb 6-8.

The Waigani District Court On Oct 17,2016 committed Bawa for trial in the National Court after sufficient evidence was found against him.

From Kandep in Enga Province, Bawa is facing allegations of stealing and abusing the authority of his office last year while he was the NCD Metropolitan Superintendent.

Both allegations against Bawa are said to have occurred between August 4 and September 30 last year while being employed in the public service, mainly the department of police.

It is alleged he stole K83, 600 from the State and abused the authority of his office by receiving monies from a provincial administrative officer and failed to account for it.

The money he allegedly received was allowance for the 2015 Pacific Games.

Bawa is on a bail of K1,000.

 

 

Author: 
Sally Pokiton