THE permanent secretary for the Ministry of Rural Development accused of failing to furnish information to the Ombudsman office will be standing trial soon.
The hearing date will be fixed on 8 April, when the matter returns to court.
Selina Boso did not turn up Tuesday in court, to which her lawyer told the court she was busy preparing her ministry’s budget for the upcoming parliament meeting.
George Gray of the Public Solicitor’s Office said apart from that commitment, Tuesday was also the Women’s International Day.
State Prosecutor Sirepu Ramosaea confirmed been informed of the accused’s absence and confirmed pre-trial checklist has been done.
She further added that they also discussed the trial dates and agreed on dates in early June.
Chief Magistrate Emmanuel Kouhota however said this is a minor offence that only attracts a fine of $200 but has been adjourned for sometimes now.
He wants the matter to be heard next month instead of June.
Boso is facing a charge of failure to furnish information or failure to produce document as requested by the Ombudsman office.
She was charged contrary to section 20 (2) of Ombudsman (Further Provisions) Act.
This was in relation to the allegation between May 29, 2013 and September 25, this year.
Prosecution alleged she failed to furnish information on the Rural Constituency Development funds as lawfully requested by the Ombudsman and members of his staff.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
