Magistrate unhappy with cases

A SENIOR magistrate in Lae has raised concerns over the delay in handling serious cases before the courts by police investigators and prosecutors that resulted in serious cases being struck out.
Lae District Court Magistrate Edward Kupo raised the concern yesterday after several cases of murder, armed robbery, rape and other sexual offences were still incomplete or struck out. The case files were not ready because police lacked logistic to carry out investigations.
Kupo said many cases were initiated but could not be completed.
“A lot of serious cases have been struck out or delayed before the courts because of incomplete investigation reports since police don’t have the necessary resources and logistical support to fast track their investigations,” he said.
Kupo said even though the court was mindful that some cases were serious, it (court) also had to be mindful of a defendant’s constitutional rights.
Some problems police faced include transport, paper to print, photocopy and other stationery and logistical problems to pick witnesses for interviews in cases where a lot of people were involved.
Kupo appealed to relevant state authorities to address the problem in order for the police and courts to do their jobs.
He said there was a shortage of magistrates therefore, serious cases needed to be updated, investigated adequately and completed for prosecution.
“Police officers have to be equipped with all the necessary equipment and logistical support to do their jobs efficiently so cases can proceed without delay.”
Kupo also urged health officials and workers to help the police compiling cases by having medical certificates and autopsy reports ready on a timely fashion as these documents were crucial in cases.