Pastor Michael Jack of the PNG Christian Fellowship says he will continue the work of his Ministry and program following the decision by the Committal Court to discharge him from alleged fraudulent practises.
Pastor Jack was arrested and charged on April 8th 2018 over allegations of fraud and uttering, which was also publicised following a media conference by Lands Minister Justin Tkatchenko.
The Pastor said the decision by the Committal Court to strike out his case should put to rest any allegations and rumours that have tarnished his name.
Pastor Jack was alleged to have fraudulently acquired a portion of land titled 3683 Granville (Gerehu) designated under an Urban Development Lease (UDL).
Minister Tkatchenko announced in March that Pastor Jack had fraudulently acquired the land by using different names and even forging the Minister’s signature.
He was arrested by Fraud Squad detectives in April after a complaint was laid by Tkatchenko.
In a media conference yesterday, Pastor Jack presented the court order granted by Magistrate Mekeo Gauli on May 3rd 2018.
It read that the case against him was struck out due to defective evidence.
“I have allowed the normal process of our judiciary system to prove whether I was innocent or guilty. I cooperated fully with the judiciary system to run its full course against me and the office in which I occupy.
“Today I want to tell the nation that the courts have spoken and the charges have been struck out by the court,” said Pastor Jack.
He said during the case he had temporarily suspended his television and radio programs, but will resume now that this is over.
While this is being done, he is seeking legal advice on the events of April 8 2018 when he was arrested alleging that proper process was not followed.
This include being forced into a vehicle without his consent and being charged without being formally interviewed.
Pastor Jack says the victory is not his but for the people of Papua New Guinea who can have the freedom of assembling and worshipping God.
