JUDGEMENT on the case of four former Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) workers accused of misappropriating funds in 2012 and 2013 will be delivered on October 22.
The accused, Former Financial Controller Stephen Dalipanda, former Senior Accountant Randy Hatigeva, former Procurement Officer Robert Manu and former Accounts Officer Dalcy Maena, are facing judgement for two counts of False Pretence.
The trial which began in March and concluded in early April was initially set for judgement on Monday, but was adjourned till next Wednesday.
The allegations center on false payments exceeding $1 million to a ghost shipping company known as Joke Shipping Services.
The company was purportedly contracted to transport building materials for health clinics in Temotu Province and Lord Howe in Malaita Outer Islands, but the work that was never carried out.
In an earlier related matter, Robert Manu was convicted of three counts of Official Corruption and received a two-year suspended sentence for corruptly receiving $195,000 in exchange for facilitating payments to another fake shipping firm called Eroba Shipping.
The funds at the center of the scandal came from both the Solomon Islands Government and aid donors and were intended to support the improvement of rural health services.
Prosecutors alleged the misappropriation severely disrupted the delivery of vital health projects in rural areas.
In a related case, private contractor Tigi Sekele faces three counts of False Pretence for allegedly fabricating invoices and claiming more than $1 million in payments for freight services that were never provided.
His case is pending trial.
The accused are represented by Jim Seuika, John Taupongi, Rochelle Palmer and Jennifer Happylyn of the Public Solicitor’s Office, while Public Prosecutor John Wesley Zoze appears for the Crown.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
Solomon Star, Honiara
