By Theckla Gunga – EM TV News, Port Moresby
Two former senior police officers have appeared before senior magistrate, Cosmas Bidar, at the Waigani Committal Court, this morning.
Former Police Commissioner, Geoffrey Vaki, appeared for conspiracy while former National Capital District, Metropolitan Superintendent, Andy Bawa, appeared for stealing and abuse of office.
Both are different cases but have been adjourned to next month.
Vaki’s case was adjourned to July 15th after his lawyer told the court, his files were only served recently and he needed more time to make a response.
This case relates to allegations that in June, 2014, Vaki, acting as the then Police Commissioner conspired with very senior Ministers and others to defeat the course of justice.
It is alleged that Vaki prevented police officers from arresting the Prime Minister, following allegations of their involvement in facilitating legal fees for a well-known law firm.
As for the former NCD Met Sup, he was told that his files were ready and will be served in the coming days.
Mr. Bawa was charged for three counts of stealing and abuse of office, early this year.
The allegations are, between August and September of 2015, Bawa stole over K80,000, money allocated for the security operations of the 2015 Pacific Games.
It was also alleged that Bawa received some allowance from a provincial administrator but failed to account for that money.
That money was also allocated for the Pacific Games.
Vaki’s case will return to court on 15th July while Bawa’s will be mentioned on 29th July.
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