‘Ruling’ with fear

VILLAGE court officials holding open-air proceedings in Mt Hagen fear for their lives when people who are unhappy with decisions come to fight with weapons.
They feel threatened even when weapons are not used, village court chairman Mumuba Ninigi said.
One of the village courts wants the court secretariat to build proper court houses and provide proper uniforms.
Village court officials hearing cases outdoors at the Queens Park Oval told The National that they were at risk when complainants and defendants came to fight with bush knives during court proceedings.
Village court chairman Mumuba Niniga said there was no control when conducting open-air hearings.