Statement was recorded in Tok Pisin, says cop

A POLICEWOMAN told the Waigani Committal Court on Friday that she recorded a child rape victim’s statement in Tok Pisin but did not translate it to English.
Detective First Const Martha Maraga said: “Initially, I took the child’s statement in Tok Pisin as she related her story in Tok Pisin.
“Apart from that, I obtained other witness statements from the victim’s father and mother in Tok Pisin, had them translated into English and signed by them.”
Magistrate Tracy Ganaii summoned Maraga to explain how she obtained a statement from a child who was alleged to have been raped after defence lawyer David Kaiyok, from the Office of the Public Solicitor, questioned how the child could give a statement in English.
She was cross-examined by counsel Kaiyok and police prosecutor Chief Sgt Polon Koniu and her evidence were recorded by Magistrate Ganaii.
After cross-examination, Kaiyok submitted that the statements (Tok Pisin and English) by the child victim were unsigned and the investigating officer had not stated clearly whether the statements were given by the victim, and it was unsafe for the courts to rely on such unsigned statements.
He also raised other issues regarding names of witnesses on medical reports.
Chief Sgt Koniu submitted in response that the signed statements from the victim’s father and mother should be considered for other issues raised.
“It should be dealt with in a trial proper where the victim and witnesses will be examined.”
Magistrate Ganaii adjourned hearing to March 16.