Bench warrants

​Bench warrant execution still a challenge

Resident Judge of the Wewak Sub Regional Court, Justice Iova Geita, said the challenge in those provinces is that only two judges; Justice Nicholas Kirriwom and himself, look after the sub region and when they go out for circuits in two provinces, one province is left out.

“In the alternate month, we are out again in another province. That is the challenge and I’m hoping one day that we get permanent judges in those areas so we can focus in our areas,” he said.

Central Province leads the way in bench warrant execution

This has been attributed to community involvement, says criminal judge Justice Panuel Mogish.

“There is too much talk and not enough action. Central Province is leading the way in executing bench warrants.”

He said while the country’s focus was on its problems and at Waigani over the past four weeks, there are positive developments in Central province, especially with the courts. 

Community involvement has made the province lead the way in the execution of bench warrants, compared to other provinces, including the National Capital District.

Court to review bench warrants

Justice Panuel Mogish who presides over the Criminal Division will be holding a callover to identify and confirm the overdue bench warrants that were issued by the Waigani National Court since 1989.

He will also be holding a call over to identify and confirm outstanding bench warrants that were issued at the National Court in Kwikila, Central Province since 1999.