Court orders shutdown of Wau, Bulolo cells

The National National

By JIMMY KALEBE
THE Wau and Bulolo Police Station cells were yesterday ordered to be closed immediately.
Acting judge Justice John Numapo in his circuit visit to Bulolo gave orders in the National Court and directed police station commander Inspector Leo Kaikas to remove the remandees from the two cells and transfer them to Buimo prison in Lae. Those charged with minor offences were to be given bail.
The order was issued after Numapo inspected both cells on March 20 following a report compiled by health authorities dated Feb 26 but brought to court on March 19.
The report by the health authorities condemned the cells as unfit for human habitation.
The National Court ordered that:

  • The two cells be closed;
  • all remandees be transferred to Buimo until such time the repair work and maintenance is carried out to rectify the current conditions;
  • a health officer to make a final inspection of the cells after maintenance is completed;
  • court files of the remandees be transferred to the Lae District Court; and,
  • Failure to comply with the orders will mean appropriate statutory penalties.

According to the list, the Bulolo police cell had 10 remandees charged with a series of indictable offences from rape to murder and pending police investigations while Wau had four held for minor offences.
Numapo ordered the cells to be closed after seeing the facilities lacking adequate ventilation, running water, lighting and working toilets.