By Vasinatta Yama, EM TV – Port Moresby
Police prosecutors are failing to follow court processes which are resulting in cases being struck out or deferred.
Today at the Waigani Committal Court, more than five proceedings were struck out or adjourned by Senior Magistrate Cosmas Bidar.
Most of these cases include armed robbery, sexual penetration and grievous bodily arm.
This morning, a couple, Perapen Warun and Joy Perapen appeared for mention on one count of harbouring a convicted prisoner, who is their son.
Senior Magistrate Bidar struck out the case and ordered the refund of their bail money.
Since the two defendants were charged on October 28th, last year, they have not been served any court files. Also the Court has not received any instructions from Police on the matter.
The Senior Magistrate Bidar also struck out a case of wilful damage, and ordered for the defendant’s bail refunds. Police did not serve him any file.
Meanwhile, three people, a female from Abau in Central Province and two males from East New Britain Provinces appeared for mention for allegedly committing grievous bodily harm for no good reason to a man.
The three failed to appear at the Committal Court at the given dates, because they were wrongly informed by their arresting officer to appear at the Boroko Court house.
They were arrested yesterday and bailed K500 each.
In response, the Senior Magistrate Bidar also revoked the warrant of arrest and ordered the Police to refund their bail money, on the ground that they were wrongly informed.
