Prime Minister, James Marape has distanced himself from the large sum of money police confiscated from his relatives over the weekend.
He said he has nothing to do with the money.
On Saturday, 2nd July, Police confiscated about K1.56 million from Seth Palipe, at Komo Airport in Hela Province.
Police alleged that Marape’s son, Mospals Marape was also involved and arrested him with Mr Palipe.
“I have nothing to do with the money that was confiscated by Police who were doing routine checks at Komo Airport,” PM Marape said.
“From Police briefings I received, Police were checking passengers coming in from a charter flight into Komo.
“They discovered large sums of money in the possession of Mr Palipe, and despite him disclosing ownership, source and purpose of the funds, Police arrested him and a local policeman who were on hand to deliver the money safely to a construction site.
“My son, Mospals Marape, who was escorting PM’s Department staff to visit Hides Gas Field areas, was unfortunately linked to the transportation of the funds.
“He was also rounded up and arrested, and despite high tensions, I informed everyone that Police are here to do their job.
“If Police are of the opinion that a person or a cargo warrants search, confiscation and arrest, then so be it, the work of police is not to be interfered with.
“The money was taken into police custody and those arrested were in Police custody until bail was granted two days later.
“This is now a Police matter.”
PM Marape said fake news about an illegal army in Hela had conjured negative views of the province.
“Fake news of an illegal army gives the impression to the country that bad things are happening in Hela,” he said.
“This is far from the truth, especially in this time of elections.
“People have supported a fair campaign, they are now voting for me, I told the people in my campaigns in Hela and PNG for people not to take money to vote.
“I don’t need money for people to vote me, and in fact they are voting right now and if this money was what I need to win my reelection, then I would be disadvantaged with the money still held by Police.
“They have voted me without being enticed by money since 2007 when I was first elected into Parliament.”
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