Former Maprik MP Gabriel Kapris appeared at the Waigani Committal Court today with his lawyer after he was arrested and charged for misappropriation charges on Sept 13.
He briefly appeared with his lawyer before Magistrate John Kaumi where his charges were read and explained to him before the case was adjourned for two months to allow police to continue their investigations.
Kapris is expected back in court on Dec 6 for mention.
The 53-year-old from Suapri village; Maprik District in the East Sepik Province was arrested in Port Moresby last month.
He is facing four different charges; two counts of the misappropriation of properties, two counts of Abuse of office, one count of stealing by false pretense and one count of conspiracy to defraud.
Kapris was arrested and charged for misappropriating state properties valued at K3, 519,998.
The properties belong to the Maprik District and the state, which he allegedly misappropriated to his use and the use of others.
The misappropriation allegation dates back to when Kapris served as the member elect for the Maprik District, prior to losing his seat in the 2012 General Elections.
It is alleged that during his tenure as the Maprik MP that he purchased six brand new machines from Hastings Deerings in Port Moresby valued at K3, 519,998.
The machines were taken to the District to be used for road projects. A Company allegedly owned by Kapris brother-in-law was then engaged to work on the project.
The company was allegedly paid K400,000 by the District for the road works however the machines were later moved to the Drekikier District where a 3rd party agreement was signed for on an Oil Palm project.
Complaints were laid at the National Fraud and Anti-Corruption Directorate in 2014 which saw an investigation conducted which led to Kapris arrest.
(Pictured is Former Maprik MP Gabriel Kapris and his lawyer outside court today. Loop Picture by Kennedy Bani.)