MPs probed, charged with election-related offences

By JUNIOR UKAHA
TWO sitting MPs have been charged with election-related offences and two others investigated for the same since the issue of writs eight weeks ago.
Other candidates have been called in for questioning by police at various stages during the election period after their supporters were caught breaking the law.
Charged and released on bail were North Waghi MP Benjamin Mul and Sinasina-Yongomulg MP Jeffery Nape.
Police alleged that Mul and some of his supporters were caught by members of the joint task force allegedly handing out cash to voters in Avi village, Jiwaka, on July 6.
He was charged with bribery and being in possession of an illegal firearm.
Mul had K4,000 cash on him. His mobile phone, seized by police, allegedly contained pornographic images. Mul was released on a K2,000 bail from the Mt Hagen police station.
Mul has since denied the charges and said the money he had on him was for election expenses and fuel.
Nape was charged at the Kundiawa police station with trying to bribe a candidate by depositing K30,000 in his account. He allegedly later cancelled the deposit when the candidate reported the matter to police.
Nape’s explanation was: “It was a set up.” He was released on K1,000 bail.
In Hela, police questioned an MP after he was found with five election officials in a room at the Ambua Lodge. He had K19,000 cash on him.
In Central, police searched the homes of Abau MP Sir Puka Temu after a tip-off that he had an illegal firearm and fake ballot boxes and papers.
But police found nothing at his homes on Monday.
He has since denied the allegation describing it as a political ploy to tarnish his character and reputation.
Former police minister John Boito came under the spotlight when security personnel found a high-powered gun in the possession of a person said to be his supporter.
The security personnel were fired upon by the suspect when they were on patrol near the MP’s village. They later arrested the man.
Boito was also interviewed by police in connection with the incident but was cleared.
Imbonggu MP Francis Awesa and candidate Pila Niningi also landed in trouble after their supporters were reportedly fighting and threatening election officials in Mendi.
In West New Britain, six supporters of a regional candidate were charged for being in possession of a hand-grenade and live ammunition.
A close acquaintance of an MP in Jiwaka was also charged with possession of seven guns and a large amount of cash, allegedly for bribing voters.