MORESBY North-East MP John Kaupa has strongly denied allegations circulating on social media that district vehicles belonging to Moresby North-East were being used in Eastern Highlands Province, describing the claims as false, misleading, and politically motivated.
Speaking to the media, the second-term MP said allegations made by Francis Alua, Salt Nomane Karimui Mp had created confusion by linking private vehicles seized in Goroka to an ongoing Ombudsman Commission referral matter.
Kaupa clarified that the Ombudsman Commission case has no connection whatsoever to the vehicles seized in Goroka.
“What is really important that we need to clear is that the Ombudsman Commission referral is a completely separate matter from these vehicles,” Kaupa said.
According to the MP, he had previously been referred by the Ombudsman Commission to the Public Prosecutor, who later assessed evidence relating to allegations that he was allegedly “double dipping” allowances from Parliament and the National Capital District Commission (NCDC).
He explained that the process is currently before the appropriate legal channels and could proceed to a Leadership Tribunal if directed by the Chief Justice.
“The referral process is done by the Ombudsman Commission and Public Prosecutor. It has got nothing to do with these vehicles in Goroka,” he said.
“The allegations in that referral were about claims of double dipping from Parliament and NCDC. There was never any mention of district vehicles being used in Goroka.”
Kaupa said misinformation circulating online had wrongly linked the Ombudsman Commission matter to the vehicles seized by police in Eastern Highlands.
“What we need to clear is the social media confusion that is going viral and saying that those vehicles mentioned in the Ombudsman Commission referral are being used in Goroka. That is totally false,” he stated.
The MP reiterated that the three vehicles seized in Goroka were privately owned and did not belong to the Moresby North-East District.
“As a second-term MP, I am not so stupid to send district vehicles from Moresby North-East to another province,” Kaupa said.
“We have political boundaries, and everything is screened in Port Moresby. These vehicles do not belong to the district.”
Kaupa also rejected claims linking him personally to properties in Goroka, clarifying that the property involved belongs to his son through customary land dealings in Asaro.
“The property belongs to my son. It was bought through customary arrangements. The vehicles are privately ownedand were donated by old friends. They are not district assets,” he said.
He further accused police in Gorokabof acting unlawfully during the operation.
According to Kaupa, police officers damaged the vehicles during the seizure, including smashing windscreens, before later clearing and releasing them.
Kaupa confirmed that his lawyers have been instructed to file legal action, including summons for defamation and claims for damages to the vehicles and property.
“My lawyers are working on defamation proceedings and compensation claims. The owners of the vehicles will also pursue damages,” he said.
The MP described the incident as a possible “political witch hunt” ahead of future elections but stressed that political differences should not lead to public accusations without evidence.
“We are Members of Parliament and should respect each other. Putting another member in the media without proper evidence is not ethically right,” he said.
The vehicles have since been released by police, while Kaupa indicated further legal action against those involved is expected to proceed.