COURT TO MAKE RULING ON RTA BOSS CASE

BY BENJAMIN KOITAKA

THE Waigani Committal Court has set a new date to hear the matter in relation to the implications of the Acting Road Traffic Authority (RTA) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) John Avira and his co-accused of alleged misappropriation charges.

RTA CEO Avira and his co-accused Joseph Pundu will both appear at the Committal Court next month to know their fate.
Co-accused Joseph Pundu appeared at the Committal Court on 28th, May before magistrate Oakavia Oiveka, however, the matter was adjourned to 16th of June 2026 for further rulings.

The matter was moved due to a change of Magistrate, from senior Magistrate Paul Puri Nii to magistrate Oiveka.
Co-accused Pundu was the Executive Officer (EO) to acting Road Traffic Authority (RTA) CEO Avira when the alleged misappropriation offences were committed.

Pundu was charged on two counts with attempted to pervert course of justice and conspiracy to defeat justice.
Magistrate Oiveka before adjourning the matter to June added that his bai is extended and will appear at the Courts on the new date fixed.

Magistrate Oiveka also noted that the police prosecutor, handling the case was also not prepared and more information to be gathered before the next mention.

Meanwhile, Avira will appear at the Court on the 11th of June for ruling on his misappropriation charges.
Acting RTA CEO Avira is represented by Philip Tabuchi of Young and Williams Lawyers, dealing with a alleged vehicle purchased using RTA funds and later registered under Avira’s personal name.