The Crown’s case on the trial of the former permanent secretary for the Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services, Edmond Sikua, is nearing completion.
Prosecution is now calling its 12th witness, leaving only three more witnesses to be called before closing their case.
This was after they reduced the number of witnesses from 26 to only 16.
The defence will be cross examining the 12th witness today when the trial resumes after it was adjourned from yesterday.
Sikua is standing trial before Principal Magistrate, Fatima Taeburi, for seven counts of official corruption.
Prosecution alleged he awarded government tenders worth $630,436.50 to Beeds Investment on 22 December 2016, a company registered and owned by his two daughters.
He was alleged to have awarded government tenders worth $630,436.50 to Beeds Investment on 22 December 2016, a company registered and owned by his two daughters.
Prosecution alleged that as permanent secretary, Sikua, is by default the chairman of his ministry’s tender board.
It was alleged that between 18 December 2015 and 29 August 2016 Beeds Investments responded to calls for tenders and was awarded business contracts for service delivery to the Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services on seven different occasions.
The Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services have made payments of $630,436.50 to Beeds Investments for these services.
Prosecution further alleged that, Sikua, used his position of power and influence within the Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services to manipulate the tendering process for his own and his family’s pecuniary advantage.
Sikua, is the third public officer to have been arrested by Janus, since the establishment of the joint taskforce in August 2016.
Gabriel Suri, of Suri’s Law Practice represents, Sikua, while Public Prosecutor, Bradley Dalipanda, is appearing for the Crown.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
