Yasause’s case deferred

March 8, 2011-The National

By JACOB POK
FORMER executive director of the office of climate change Dr Theo Yasause, the main suspect in the alleged murder of former Kumul star Aquila Emil, had his matter deferred to next month by the Waigani district court due to police transport problem.
Police prosecutors told the court that the “only” police van that transports pri­soners from Bomana prison to the court had broke down and needed services and would be ready by next month.
Magistrate Rossie Johnson expressed frustration that the logistics problems should not deter the constitutional rights of prisoners to a speedy trial.
Johnson had to adjourn most of the ca­ses yesterday because those in custody could not be brought down because of transport problems. 
Johnson at one stage told the prosecutor that the capital city should not have any excuses on logistics problems and should lead by example. 
The police prosecutors told the court that the only police van that transports prisoners from Bomana to Waigani court was no longer roadworthy, as it was old and run-down.
“That is not the court’s problem as the prisoners have right under the constitution to a speedy trial and must be heard,” Johnson told the prosecutor. 
It is also understood that police arresting officers are the cause of the delay, as they only arrest but fail to investigate, compile reports and arraign offenders properly.
These were some of the failures in the part of police officers to effectively carry out their duties.
Yasause’s matter was adjourned to April 8 for further hearing. 
In the meantime, he remains in custody at Bomana prison outside Port Moresby.