Justice delayed, justice denied

I WAS at the Waigani Committal Court last week to witness a hearing.
Three lawyers were there with court applications and files to present before the magistrate. While the hearing was in progress I learnt that most of reports from witnesses and the chief investigation directorate (CID) were incomplete, with some not even available.
A defendant was facing a charge of causing grievous bodily harm and has been turning up since March last year but his case is always being deferred because the police have not been able to provide their report.
This time he got up and told the magistrate, “Your worship, I am sick and tired of checking and following up on my case. I have been following this case since last year and have turned up for four mentions without results.”
The magistrate asked the police prosecutor what was happening and the prosecutor responded, “Your worship, we run out of fuel to move around and carry out the investigations.”
Logistics problems are hindering the progress of the court process.
Many accused people are in a similar situation, with some having waited for up to three years to have their day in court.
The Government should provide police with the funding and resources that can help them do their job.
Remember that justice delayed is justice denied

Nason Mul Solo