Court quashes K10.5m fraud charge against duo

 BUSINESSMAN John Kapi Natto and co-accused Peter Heno have been discharged of misappropriation charges at the Waigani National Court, last Monday. 

Both accused were discharged by Deputy Chief Justice Gibbs Salika after the prosecution advised the court they would not proceed with the case by making a nolle prosqui (Latin legal phrase meaning “be unwilling to pursue”) application. Sailka agreed to the application and discharged Natto and Heno of all charges. Natto and Heno were accused of misusing Infrastructure Development Grants worth K10.5 million belonging to the Petroleum Development License 2 Kutubu, in Southern Highlands. 

The prosecution said police evidence did not show the dishonest intention of both accused to receive money and misappropriate the project funds. A complaint was laid with the police on March 5, 2013, when the funds were held in Nama’Aporo Landowner Association’s (NLA) bank account since 2012, pending the court proceedings OS No. 647 of 2010.

“I thank God that this matter has been resolved because my name has been tainted badly by the charges that were laid,” Kapi Natto said.