The Waigani Committal Court has found sufficient evidence to commit Pangu Pati president, Patrick Pundao, to stand trial at the National Court.
Magistrate Mekeo Gauli told the defendant today in court.
The Court will convene next week to hear Pundao’s section 96 statement before handing down the final decision.
Pundao was arrested and charged with “dishonestly applying” on the 25th of April 2017.
Pundao, from Wapenamanda, Enga Province, was accused of dishonestly applying to his own use property, namely K50,000, which belonged to Pangu Pati.
It is alleged that on Monday, 24th of April, 2017, Member for Bulolo, Sam Basil, as Pangu Party Leader, approved a cheque of K50,000 for the payment of nomination fees for 50 candidates to contest the 2017 National General Elections or either reimbursement of K1,000 per candidates.
The defendant allegedly conspired with general secretary Morris Tovebae and cashed the cheque the next day but did not give the money to the candidates.
Basil later laid the complaint and both men were arrested.
Tovebae’s case was dismissed today for lack of evidence.
(Pangu Pati president Patrick Pundao, right, with general secretary Morris Tovebae during a press conference last month)