PNG Police Charge Former MP Potape Over Alleged False Election Evidence

Papua New Guinea POLICE have charged former Magarima MP Francis Potape following an investigation into alleged false evidence connected to the 2017 election petition that challenged the result of the Hela provincial seat.

 PNG Police Charge Former MP Potape Over Alleged False Election Evidence/Photo supplied

Potape was arrested at Jacksons Domestic Terminal in Port Moresby on September 24 at around 6.17pm and taken to the Criminal Investigation Division office at Konedobu, where police formally processed the case.

The 54-year-old, a native of Huluma village in Komo-Magarima District, has been charged under the Criminal Code Act with four offences, including perjury, fabrication of evidence, counselling perjury and conspiracy to commit a crime.

CID Director Detective Superintendent Joel Simatab said police investigations had uncovered what they allege was a coordinated attempt to create false material for use in Election Petition No. 3 of 2017.

Investigators allege that 57 affidavits submitted during the court proceedings were fabricated. The allegations also extend to Electoral Commission Forms 66A and 66B and photographs that were tendered as part of the case.

Police allege Potape was involved with Paul J. Othas and lawyer Ralf Jerome in preparing affidavits and advising witnesses to sign the statements.

The police brief further alleges that witnesses were bribed and, in some cases, signed the documents while under the influence of alcohol at a guest house in Mt Hagen. Investigators said some of the witnesses later claimed their statements did not accurately represent what occurred during the counting of votes.

Potape was taken to Boroko Police Station and later released on K10,000 bail. He is expected to appear before the court next week.