Charged over vaccine cards

TWO men are defending themselves in court against charges relating to their involvement in the preparation of fake Coronavirus (Covid-19) vaccination record cards.
Appearing before Magistrate Pious Tapil in the Lae Committal Court on Friday were Foda Wingkey, 46, of Bokesu village, Finschhafen in Morobe and Nekint Noki, 29, of Talim village, Tambul in Western Highlands. Police alleged that on Oct 26, Wingkey and Noki used the Angau Memorial Hospital stamp on 11 fake Covid-19 vaccination record cards.
Noki allegedly gave Wingkey the cards to put the hospital stamp on. He allegedly paid Wingkey K150.
Police said when Noki was about to walk out of the hospital main gate, the security guards questioned him.
The court was told that when the two were questioned at the police station, they admitted the offences.
Noki was alleged to have knowingly given false or misleading information by issuing the fake Covid-19 vaccination record cards bearing the Angau Memorial Hospital’s official stamp, thereby contravening Section 47(1) (d) of the National Pandemic Act 2020.
Wingkey was alleged to have impersonated an authorised person by using the official hospital stamp on the fake Covid-19 vaccination record cards, contravening Section 47(1) (f) of the National Pandemic Act 2020.
Magistrate Tapil adjourned Wingkey’s case to Dec 13 for mention.
Noki was remanded and told to apply for bail at the National Court. His case was adjourned to Dec 17.