Waigani Committal Court

This is after Kiponge’s lawyer made new submissions an additional supportive affidavit.

According to Kiponge’s lawyer the document contains sufficient evidence that will support Kiponge’s arguments and assist the court reach a fir decision.

However, Police Prosecutor John Wamulg objected to the application stating that the court has made its decision to make a ruling and the submission of this supporting document is an abuse of the court process.  

Kiponge’s lawyer argued that the defendant had the right to defend himself at the court at all cost.

Magistrate Peter Balos issued a media ban after concerns were raised by both the defendant and complainant’s counsels regarding the sensitivity of the case stating it is a ‘family matter’ and not a ‘public matter’.

Tambua’s counsel, Myron Ipape said the girls who are minors (aged 2 &12) and their mother are still under the protection of the defendant who is their father.

Magistrate Paul Nii said the evidence is insufficient to commit John Simon Amaiu for the three counts of defamatory publication allegations under the Cyber Crime Code Act.

“I have come to a conclusion that the defendant is not accurately identified to be the person who is linked to the two Facebook accounts of Harry Saa and Sauwan Parange and the telephone number”.

Magistrate Paul Nill read out the four charges leveled against her and adjourned the matter to October 8^th.

According to Police, the 48-year-old Australian was charged with conspiracy, forgery, false pretense and the misappropriation of K1, 768, 448.25; money belonging to PNG Power Limited.

The court heard that she had allegedly conspired with Peter Nupiri, former Chairman of PNG Power Limited, to fabricate her Contract of Employment between August 2018 and August 2019.

The ruling was handed down this morning and the case adjourned to give Amaiu and his lawyer time to respond.

The former MP is facing seven counts of defraud and seven counts for misappropriation. 

He is facing allegations he conspired with others at the National Housing Corporation and  Department of Lands and Physical Planning, to transfer 301 titles to PNG Resource Corporation Ltd.

It is also alleged he misappropriated portion 528 of Durand Farm, the government’s housing estate.

Contracts valued at K80,000 per allotment, totaling over K24 million.

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 25^th 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.

Party president Patrick Pundao and General Secretary of the Party, Morris Tovebae, are in court over allegations they dishonestly applied K50,000, monies belonging to the party.

The money they allegedly misused is said to be nomination fees for candidates contesting the 2017 National General Election under the party's banner.

Magistrate Mekeo Gauli heard submissions from their lawyer, and the police prosecution and will give a ruling on June 12.

The party executives remain in bail.

Dr Schram was arrested on Wednesday this week and charged with false pretence.

He was arrested over allegations he produced falsified and fraudulent documents relating to his PhD qualification, which he obtained on 24 November 1994 from the European University Institute.

He appeared at the Committal Court on Thursday after he was allowed police bail of K2,000.

He returned today before the same court with his lawyer, seeking variations to be made to his bail conditions.

Unitech reached an agreement with the former vice-chancellor following his judicial review proceedings, which were dismissed last month, to release Dr. Schram to leave the country with his final entitlements.

Since establishing this understanding, both parties have moved on.

Unitech understands that police are investigating a complaint lodged by the former council in 2012.

The university maintains its stance and clarified that it has nothing to do with these criminal investigations.

Her former partner, Clement Manguva, also a police officer based with the Dog unit, has been arraigned before the Committal Court over her brutal assault on March 3.

Manguva who is on a K500 police bail had his case adjourned to June to give CID officers time to investigate further and compile a police hand-up brief in court.

This document will assist the Committal Court weigh out the evidence against Manguva, who was charged with one count of grievous bodily harm.

Apart from the criminal case, he is also facing disciplinary charges within the constabulary.