BY JENNIFER KUSAPA
THE court has convicted the former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Police National Security and Correctional Services Edmond Sikua of three charges of official corruption.
Principal Magistrate Fatimah Taeburi after convicting Mr Sikua made an order for him to be remanded in custody due to flight risk and also since he has now been convicted a custodial sentence will likely be imposed.
Sikua was earlier charged with seven counts of official corruption but after the court analysed all the evidence produced, four charges were withdrawn due to no supporting evidence to prove them
Magistrate Taeburi then adjourned the case to November 14 for sentencing submission.
Sikua was charged in relation to the allegation on December 22, 2016 for allegedly awarding government tenders worth $630,436.50 to Beeds Investment, a company registered and owned by his two daughters.
Prosecution alleged the accused Sikua is by default the chairman of his ministry’s tender board.
The allegation said between December 18, 2015 and August 29, 2016 Beed 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.
Office of the Director Public Prosecution appears for the crown in court.
