OUTGOING Member of Parliament for Savo/Russell, Dickson Mua, who faces one count of conversion, will be standing trial starting next week in the Honiara Magistrates’ Court.
Mua will appear in court today for his final interim mention leading up to his trial, which will commence on January 21, which is only a week away.
The MP is being accused of converting $3million intended to purchase a ship for his constituency in 2013 for his own use.
It was alleged that a payment of $2.8million was to purchase a ship for his constituency.
The constituency however never received the ship.
Prosecution alleged Mua used the remaining $200,000 to purchase other items not related to the purpose of the grant.
He allegedly made withdrawals in early 2014, when the shipping grant was made available in the Savo/Russell constituency bank account.
Mua also allegedly issued cheques to other private companies and instead of purchasing a vessel had used the money to purchase different items such as boats and out-board motor engines.
Those items were then allegedly distributed to his own supporters in his constituency.
Lazarus Kwaiga of L & L Lawyers represents Mua while Public Prosecutor Sirepu Ramosaea is prosecuting.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
