by Vasinatta Yama – EM TV News, Port Moresby
Many criminal cases do not reach higher courts because of lack of evidence presented at the Committal Court.
EMTV News has been running stories on a number of cases that were dismissed due to lack of investigation and evidence.
Police Commissioner, Gari Baki, says police prosecutors and investigators need to undergo refresher courses.
At least 10 cases have been dismissed at the committal court since January this year.
Many of these cases involved armed robbery, sexual assault, penetration charges, and grievous bodily harm.
On Wednesday, the Committal Court struck out Richard Kemben’s case.
He was charged with one count of sexual penetration of a 7-year-old girl in Port Mort Moresby.
The case was struck out on the grounds that the informant, Senior Constable Andrew Gege of Boroko Police Station was sick, and was unable to complete the investigation
Commissioner Baki urged his prosecutors and investigators to undergo refreshers courses.
He said it would improve their ability and skills to be able to determine the evidence and prepare court files properly.
It is understood that the amount of evidence needed in court depends on the arresting officer and the investigators.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=6QALV0QMyPI%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26wmode%3Dopaque%26showinfo%3D0%26showsearch%3D0%26rel%3D0
