PNG fraud team arrests town mayor

7:17 pm on 11 August 2016

The mayor of Lorengau town on Manus Island in Papua New Guinea has been arrested and charged with misuse of funds.

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Photo: RNZI

Ruth Mandrakamu was released on bail and was due to appear at the Lorengau District Court on Wednesday.

She and local level government presidents had been accused of receiving funds for school prizes and depositing them in their personal accounts.

Presidents already arrested include Mark Mangeu from Tetidu, Luke Sihamou from Bisakani Soparibeu, Kurti Andra from Pomotu Ndrehet, Eddie Yohang, and Koru Abe from Lelemdi Bupi Chipeu.

A team from Port Moresby had been sent to Manus to investigate the matter.

Some of the presidents had returned the cheques without using the funds for personal expenses.