Magistrate Ben Kome

Accused have right to fair trial: Magistrate

Magistrate Ben Kome of the Central Committal Court issued the reminder when striking out a case against four accused, saying section 37 of the constitution applies to all.  

The case had been in court since February this year, and seven months later, the arresting officer failed to compile an investigation file to assist the court.

By practice, after an accused is arrested, four months is given to police to investigate and compile its investigation files. This was not done after seven months.