Jail management wants courts to speed up cases

THE management of Buiebi prison in Southern Highlands is calling on the courts to speed up processing cases in order to free up jail space.
Jail commander acting Supt Simon Kisa said Bueibi accommodated prisoners from Southern Highlands and Hela.
He said the jail’s capacity was 200 prisoners but had more than that, putting pressure on his staff.
Supt Kisa said the prison was accommodating 50 national court remandees, 40 district court remandees and more than 100 prisoners.
“The task is with the national and district courts in Mendi to fast-track the cases so that those sentenced can serve their terms while others can be released,” he said.
Supt Kisa warned that overcrowding and difficult conditions was one of the main factors that led to breakouts.
He said when the court delayed the process, it led to frustration and prison officers found it hard to maintain order.
“As the person in command over here, I’m calling on the courts to fast-track the court cases,” Supt Kisa said.
“For the past years, there have been some issues such as breakouts and I do not want this to repeat.” He said he raised the concern because his staff were exhausted when trying to look after the increasing number of people.