PNG Court Drama: Deceased Witnesses Stir Controversy in Yafai Trial
The National Court in Waigani has been informed that seven of the 23 State witnesses listed to testify in the trial of former deputy finance secretary Jacob Yafai have passed away. This was disclosed by State lawyer Linda Maru from the Office of the Public Prosecutor after Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika inquired about the number of deceased witnesses.
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| PNG Court Drama: Deceased Witnesses Stir Controversy in Yafai Trial |
Maru identified the deceased individuals as Dr. Lawrence Kalinoe, Sir Manasupe Zurenuoc, John Medison, Ruth Moi, Simon Tosali, Steven Gibson, and detective Senior Sergeant Pius Ben. Yafai, 43, from Karapia village in East Sepik’s Yangoru-Saussia, is facing multiple charges, including official corruption, abuse of office, conspiracy to defraud, and misappropriation. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The case relates to Yafai’s alleged involvement in approving outstanding legal payments exceeding K40 million alongside lawyer Paul Paraka. Maru stated that the prosecution would call 23 witnesses, including Prime Minister James Marape in his former capacity as finance minister, former Prime Minister Peter O’Neill, and former Treasurer Don Polye. The first witness, former Justice and Attorney-General secretary Miriam Kias, testified as documents and statements were submitted as evidence.
Defense lawyer Edward Sasingian objected to the use of statements from deceased witnesses, arguing that it would be prejudicial to his client. He maintained that these statements, which were part of the committal proceedings, should not be accepted as evidence during the trial. In response, Sir Gibbs directed Maru to submit the medical and death certificates of the deceased witnesses as proof.
Maru defended the inclusion of certain statements, highlighting that former Chief Secretary Late Sir Manasupe Zurenuoc’s statement, as well as one from his wife Lady Josephine Zurenuoc confirming his passing, were relevant. She also sought to tender the statement of former Finance Secretary Steven Gibson, which outlined the payment process. However, Sasingian objected, maintaining that relying on deceased witnesses' statements would be unfair to the accused. The trial continues with testimony from Yafai’s arresting officer, Detective Sergeant Basi Sopata.
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