Police cell guards called to court

By JAMES GUMUNO
A MT HAGEN magistrate yesterday ordered all policemen guarding a police lock-up to appear in court and explain why suspects have been going missing under their watch.
“I want all (police) cell (lock-up) guards to appear in court tomorrow (Friday) to explain why suspects are released without bail,” Magistrate Jacinta Doa ordered.
“I want to know how offenders are disappearing from cell blocks without leaving any trace. This is wasting the court’s time whenever cases come up for mention,” she added.
Doa made the order after an arresting officer cum police prosecutor told the court that the suspect had gone missing.
“I did not release him on police bail. He’s supposed to appear in court, I am surprised,” said the prosecutor.
“That’s not good enough. I want all the cell guards to explain in detail how he got out. Otherwise, the cell guards will be held responsible and punished for this,” Doa said.
In another case in the same court, a Holy Trinity Demonstration School grade 7 dropout was found guilty of stealing a school bag and fined K100. Justin James, 19, from Kuwia in Hagen pleaded guilty to stealing the bag from the house of Rose Mary Akil in Warakum on March 12.
The bag contained a watch, handphone, a diary, and pen case worth a total K260.
In mitigating, James said Akil took back the bag with all its content intact three days after the theft.
Doa then fined James K100 and placed him on good behaviour bond for three months and ordered him to report to the probation office every Monday.
Doa said: “This court is exercising leniency because you are young and have time to improve and become a good citizen. Next time, you appear in court for any criminal offence, you will be sent directly to Baisu Prison.