THE verdict in the $10 million scandal case involving former Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) workers for alleged misappropriation of funds in 2012 and 2013 have been adjourned to August 26.
The adjournment was necessary because Principal Magistrate Ishmael Kekou, who was scheduled to deliver the judgement, has yet to complete it.
Former Finance Controller Stephen Dalipanda, former Senior Accountant Randy Hatigeva, former Health Procurement Officer Robert Manu and former Accounts Officer Dalcy Maena, are facing judgement for two counts of False Pretence.
During the trial early this year, the prosecution called five witnesses, while the defendants, however, chose not to call any witnesses and remain silent.
All the defendants are accused of allegedly facilitating false payment of more than $1 million to a ghost shipping company called Joke Shipping Services.
Joke Shipping Services was intended to transport materials to build clinics in Temotu Province and Lord Howe in Malaita Outer Islands, Malaita Province, but the company never did.
Notably, Manu was previously convicted of three counts of Official Corruption related to this scandal and received a two-year suspended sentence.
This was for corruptly receiving $195,000 in exchange for facilitating payments to a fake shipping company named Eroba Shipping.
The millions of dollars at the center of the scandal came from the Solomon Islands Government and aid donors, and were intended to support the improvement of rural health services.
The prosecution alleged that the defrauding of these monies severely affected the implementation of health projects in the rural areas.
In a related case, a private local contractor Tigi Sekele has been charged with three counts of false pretence, and is awaiting trial.
He allegedly fabricated invoices and submitted them to the MHMS to claim payment for services he never rendered.
It was alleged he received three payments worth over $1million for freighting of materials that were never delivered.
The accused are represented by private lawyers Jim Seuika and John Taupongi, as well as Rochelle Palmer and Jennifer Happylyn from the Public Solicitor’s Office.
Public Prosecutor John Wesley Zoze is appearing on behalf of the Crown.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
Solomon Star, Honiara
