Investigation Task Force Sweep team

Royal PNG Constabulary lawyers, on May 8, filed the case against Sam Koim as chairman of Investigation Task Force Sweep team, Chief Inspector Timothy Gitua, Sergeant Aaron Eliza, Sergeant Pius Peng, Senior Constable Basi Sopata comprising the Investigation Task Force Sweep team, the NEC and the State.

In-house lawyer from the Constabulary, Stanley Poga, appeared before Justice Leka Nablu last week for the proceeding filed under the judicial review track.

However, the matter was adjourned because the state did not appear, despite being served on May 16.

 Sam Koim made this comment after a three-man Supreme Court bench allowed the withdrawal of an appeal, the Investigation Task Force Sweep Team filed, challenging the decision of the National Court when it dismissed its judicial review on the disbanding of ITFS.

Leave was sought in the court by Koim in his capacity as Chairman of the Investigation Task Force Sweep team on Wednesday, which was allowed.

Justice Panuel Mogish today found David Kumalau Pondros guilty of dishonestly applying to his own use and the use of others K5, 317, 375.16, money belonging to the Independent state of Papua New Guinea.

Chairman of the Investigation Task Force Sweep Team, Sam Koim and Director of National Fraud and Anti-Corruption Directorate Matthew Damaru were among those present in court today for the verdict.

Pondros is the Managing Director of David Consultants and Associates Ltd.

This was because the subject of the proceeding was not “reviewable”.

The main issue the court was asked to review was the process used by the National Executive Council in its two decision dated June 18^th  and June 24, of 2014, to abolish the Investigation Task Force Sweep team and establish the new anti-corruption investigation body; Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC).

A trial was conducted on the issue and Justice Collin Makail, on Friday afternoon, delivered his decision.