PNGTA reinstates officer implicated in sex case

By ALISON ANIS

THE PNG Teachers Association (PNGTA) national management committee (NMC) has resolved to reinstate suspended Southern regional secretary Ugwalubu Mowana despite court proceedings against him over alleged rape and sexual harassment charges involving a junior female staff of PNGTA late last year.
PNGTA president Tom Hecko announced at the press conference yesterday that the decision had been effected and that Mowana was expected back at work today with the PNGTA staff.
Mowana is also expected to stand trial today at the Waigani Committal Court after his arrest by the police over the sex allegations.
The NMC members, which comprises heads of regional offices and members of the PNG executive union, met on Monday and decided on the fate of Mowana, whom they claimed was wrongly suspended by General-secretary Murray Paiva.
Mr Hecko said Mowana had clearly denied any act of sexual harassment or rape taking place at PNGTA, adding that he was aware of the court proceedings against Mowana but that it had nothing to do with PNGTA and the problem was between Mowana and the complainant.
“If in the process the court finds Mowana guilty of the charges against him, then the NMC and the PNGTA have the right to dismiss him from the office. At the moment, we are of the understanding that the alleged offences is an outside matter and is for the court to deal with,” Mr Hecko said.
Mowana was reportedly suspended from office following the allegations against him.
The NMC after finalising the suspension of Paiva on Monday on claims of insubordination, maladministration and misconduct in office has opted to appoint Gordon Karvop as acting general-secretary for PNGTA in his place.

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