More cases struck out in Waigani

By BOURA GORU KILA
SIX cases of wounding, false pretence, persistent sexual abuse, incest and cybercrime were struck out in the Waigani Committal Court yesterday.
On Monday the same court threw out 10 cases for the same reason, police files not ready or unavailable.
Magistrate Albert Daniels struck them out after Prosecutor Sgt Christian Iga informed court yesterday that they were 2023 matters and no instructions were forthcoming from the arresting officers, even after various memos.
Daniels also ordered that Jessica Kuri, charged with incest, and Joseph Kawale, charged with persistent sexual abuse, be discharged from custody, while bail for Joshua Kabalangit and Gideon Kumbi, charged with wounding, be forfeited to the State.
He also ordered that bail for Rudolf Awai and Lawrence Tom be forfeited to the State and they be discharged of the information levelled against them.
Sgt Iga said every person charged with an offence had a right as per the Constitution and it was the arresting officer’s job to conduct investigations and complete files within a reasonable time.
It is also their job to provide genuine reasons for adjournment of cases, he said.
“When that is not done, the court and prosecution are mindful of every person’s right so that has led to the strike-out of the matters,” Iga said.
Daniels had issued warrants for the arrest of eight accused persons for consecutive non-appearances.
The accused are Mary Fred, Anthony Parila, Rodney Bras, Gibson Matsisas, Joy Minara and Rose Iso, Samuel Moere and Berry Karulaka.
Their warrants will be returnable on Nov 5.