Vaki’s lawyer fails to strike out charges

 POLICE Commissioner Geoffrey Vaki appeared yesterday for mention in the Waigani Committal Court charged with abuse of public office and perverting the course of justice.

The police prosecutor asked magistrate Cosmas Bidar for a month’s adjournment as there was no instruction received on the files since the case was first mentioned on June 19. 

Vaki’s counsel, Sam Bonner asked the court that the information be struck out as the accused was the commissioner of police with constitutional duties.

Bidar refused, saying it was premature to make a submission at this point when investigations were not completed.

Bidar said it was a requirement of the law that all matters were given reasonable time.

He set the hearing to August 28 and ordered an extension to Vaki’s bail.