19 Sep 2011

PNG politicians face allegations of attempted murder and fraud

11:34 am on 19 September 2011

Papua New Guinea police are appealing for three members of parliament to come forward for questioning regarding allegations of attempted murder and fraud.

The three leaders are: Paul Tiensten a member for Pomio, Peter Wararu Governor of East Sepik, and Francis Potape a member for Komo-Mararima.

The PNG police spokesman, Superintendent Dominic Kakas, says the allegations are serious, and the police have given the men the opportunity to come forward voluntarily to avoid embarrassment.

"The governor of East Sepik - for attempted murder and stealing by false pretense, and a fraud case. Paul Tiensten - a number of allegations were made in the media about 1.2 billion - kina fraud at the Department of National Planning, which he was former Minister of. Mr Francis Potape - some fraud allegations regarding his Komo-Magarima district funds."

Superintendent Kakas says the men have frustrated the police by failing to turn up as requested.

If the men do not come forward, Superintendent Kakas says the police will have to track them down and physically bring them in for questioning.