Witnesses afraid to take stand

Main Stories

By SYLVESTER WEMURU
A RELUCTANCE to give evidence in court by witnesses out of fear has seen 13 people who were facing serious criminal charges go free, a senior police officer in Hela says.
Tari Police Station commander Snr Insp John Iara said the witnesses feared reprisals for testifying in court.
He said the defendants were discharged in the National Court circuit in October.
He told The National that many of the cases had to be thrown out of court because of a lack of crucial evidence.
Snr Insp Iara said of the recent 13 cases, six were for wilful murder, two for sexual touching, three for murder, one grievous bodily harm and one carnal knowledge.
He said the practice of victims and their families accepting compensation from the offenders had also contributed to cases not being prosecuted in court.
“The leaders of this district need to do something so justice must be served to those who hurt others,” he said.
Snr Insp Iara said the attitudes of people to crime and punishment and justice needed to change in order for the law to work in society.
“It is a waste of time and resources for the police when they complete all the files and tender it in court and the witnesses fail to turn up to assist them.”
He said the police, witnesses and courts, all played a role in ensuring justice was served.
Snr Insp Iara said perpetrators of serious crimes were going unpunished and this was not only an injustice but could encourage a lack of respect for the rule of law.
“It is unfair when someone dies and we benefit from the death or someone is raped and we ask for compensation while the victim suffers,” he said.
“What is the purpose of the police when we resort to compensation? Our leaders must address these issues.”