Former Magarima MP arrested over perjury allegations
Former Magarima MP Francis Potape has been arrested and charged with four counts relating to alleged perjury, fabrication of evidence and conspiracy.
Potape was arrested by Criminal Investigation Division [CID] officers at Jacksons Domestic Terminal in Port Moresby on September 24.
The 54-year-old, from Huluma village in the Komo-Magarima District of Hela Province, was arrested at about 6:17pm and taken to the CID Office at Police Headquarters in Konedobu.
Police said his rights were administered under Section 42(2) of the Constitution before he was formally charged.
Director CID, Detective Superintendent Joel Simatab, said in his major incident brief that police investigations identified and confirmed that Election Petition No. 3 of 2017 was built on lies and conspiracies.
Police allege that 57 affidavits tendered as evidence in court, including Potape's affidavit, Electoral Commission Forms 66A and 66B, and photographs, were fabricated.
Police further allege that Potape, together with Paul J. Othas and lawyer Ralf Jerome, fabricated affidavits and counselled witnesses to sign them as deponents.
Police also allege that some witnesses were bribed and made to sign the affidavits while under the influence of alcohol at Martha's Guest House in Mt Hagen. Police said the witnesses later claimed their affidavits did not reflect what happened during the counting process.
Potape has been charged under the Criminal Code Act with:
- Perjury under Section 121(1);
- Fabricating Evidence under Section 122(1)(a)(b);
- Counselling the Commission of Perjury under Section 121(1); and
- Conspiracy to Commit a Crime under Section 515.
Potape was detained at Boroko Police Station before being released on K10,000 bail. He is expected to appear in court next week.