Magistrate lashes out on police for failing duties

A COMMITTAL Court magistrate has expressed his frustration over the failure of police to complete the file of a man charged with wilful murder, questioning their commitment to their responsibility.
Waigani Magistrate Garry Unjo was presiding yesterday over the case of James Bomai who has been in custody for 10 months awaiting the police file on his case.
“From the records, the matter came in June last year.
“He was charged on June 3 and a number of times (the case has) been brought up.
“On Mar 3, prosecution was to check on the status (of the police file). On April 7, this court was informed that you had an autopsy report from the doctor, but due to Covid-19 prevention, (we don’t know) what is happening.
“On matters as serious in nature as this, (police) should be telling the court what is happening.
“People like this should be sacked from the (police) force.
“This is an allegation on the loss of life. What kind of policemen are there? Are they truly doing their jobs or (just) giving (excuses) all the time?”
Police prosecutor Sgt Sandra Holland requested that the arresting officer be summoned to court to explain the progress of the case.
But Magistrate Unjo ruled that it would be the final adjournment and gave police one more month.
The case was adjourned to May 27. Bomai remains in custody.