Mendi inmates need a courthouse

MENDI is without a courthouse which has more repercussions on detainees and remandees than those coming with fresh cases.
Acting assistant commissioner of police, crimes, Hodges Ette said police were currently faced with a relentless challenge to deal with detainees, remandees, and fresh matters.
There are no court houses for detainees and remandees to attend.
There is also no resources and logistical support to move detainees and remandees to the nearest court house in Ialibu, Nipa or Mt Hagen.
Ette said the only jail there could not accommodate new intakes.
He said it was a daily challenge “exerting serious strain on our meager resources and logistics”.
“Once a complaint is lodged at the station, the initial thing that has to be done is we have to decide whether to make an arrest or not,” Ette said.
“Any minor offence, like drunk and disorderly, will be cautioned and released on the understanding that both parties agree to settle matters out of court.
“Otherwise, if arrest has to be made, then we have no option but to allow bail for most if not for all minor offences.”