By Vasinatta Yama – EM TV News, Port Moresby
In a three-man bench ruling this morning the Supreme Court dismissed an appeal by Finance Minister, James Marape, against a National Court ruling from 2014.
Marape had sought an interim injunction against officers from the Task Force Sweep Team, restraining them from interviewing him about the payment of legal bills to Paul Paraka Lawyers, totaling over K51 million.
Marape, as Finance Minister, had filed the matter in civil proceedings, and wanted a proper audit carried out to verify all legal bill paymen’s made to the firm since 2003.
Director of the National Fraud and Anti-Corruption Division, Matthew Damaru, his deputy, Timothy Gitua and lawyer Paul Paraka opposed the application and the appeal.
Marape, along with Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill, Attorney General and Justice Minister, Ano Pala, the Royal Constabulary of PNG, and the state will now pay the costs owing to the three respondents.
