Sir Salamo Injia

Sir Salamo appointed to Commonwealth Secretariat Tribunal

PNG’s former chief justice has been appointed as a judge of the Commonwealth Secretariat Arbitral Tribunal (CSAT) for a four-year term and will serve in his term from January 2021 to December 2024. 

“Sir Salamo has vast experience in the legal field, produced a number of publications and papers and held different positions whilst serving as a judge in the country. With his great knowledge and expertise, we trust that Papua New Guinea will be highly represented,” said Minister Patrick Pruaitch.

Sir Gibbs Salika appointed as Chief Justice

In making the announcement of Justice Salika’s appointment, Prime Minister Peter O’Neill thanked outgoing Chief Justice, Sir Salamo lnjia for his decade of service to the nation in the position.

He said as Papua New Guinea continues to develop and the economy expand, the appointment was a very good decision to ensure the strength and vitality of the judiciary.

“Justice Salika is the longest serving judge of the National and Supreme Courts and will be a strong and independent Chief Justice of Papua New Guinea.

Death sentence reduced for hired killer

A five man Supreme Court bench quashed the death sentence against Lota today and substituted it with life in prison.

The court found the trial judges’ sentence was excessive.

Sedoki Lota of Salakahadi village Ferguson island, was 22 years old when he was sentenced to death by hanging on October 1 2007, by the Alotau National Court.

He pleaded guilty to killing a Marcia Kedarossi of Nade village; a woman he had suspected of killing 19 people through sorcery.

Lota was hired for K1,500, two bagis, a traditional arm band and shell money.

Pruaitch faces tribunal

This comes after the Chief Justice, Sir Salamo Injia, today announced the appointment of two senior magistrates who will assist Chairman of the Leadership Tribunal and Deputy Chief Justice, Sir Gibbs Salika, to enquire into the misconduct allegations against Pruaitch.

The Aitape-Lumi MP was referred by the Ombudsman Commission in 2008 to the tribunal over allegations of misconduct in office following investigations.

Legal fraternity opens year with service

Like any other sector, the agencies gathered to acknowledge the creator through a commissioning service this morning.

Those in Lae gathered at the St Mary’s Cathedral in Top Town while the dedication service for those in NCD was held at the CRC Bethel Tabernacle of Praise at Waigani.

Traffic came to a standstill this morning along the Koura way as members of the legal fraternity, led by the combined disciplinary forces, marched into the church for the service.

Police calling for witness statements

A task force has been set up to investigate the attack and bring those perpetrators involved to be arrested.

This comes following the public “apology” from the tribe members of Aluni tribe, who allegedly ambushed and attacked the Chief Justice and his armed escort along the road from Tsak valley to Wapanamenda.

Tribe apologizes to CJ over attack

Enga Police Commander George Kakas said the tribe gave K10, 000 and five pigs to the Chief Justice and his tribe in the presence of police after they realized they were wrong.   

He said the apology was accepted but said the law remains and police will continue its investigations and get to the bottom of the attack.

Kakas said two groups of about 100 people were involved in the road block that demanded compensation from the Chief Justice as he was traveling to catch a flight back to Port Moresby. 

Justice Minister condemns CJ’s attack

In a statement released this afternoon, the Justice Minister said there can be no toleration for such acts and those behind it will feel the full force of the law.

He said regardless of local motivation behind the incident, an attack on a Chief Justice is an attack on the Judiciary and our system of Government.

Meantime, the Justice Minister further commended the police officers who provided protection on the Chief Justice on Monday.  

CJ Attack: Police to hold talks with tribes

Sir Salamo was attacked along with his armed close protection officers by a group of men from a neighboring tribe while travelling from his village in the Tsak valley to Wapenamanda to catch a flight.

There were no deaths from the incident yesterday but a few police men including the Chief Justice received injuries. Sir Salamo was then taken to Kungumanda Foursquare hospital where he was treated with cuts to his arm.

Police confirm attack on Chief Justice

Enga Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent George Kakas, confirmed the rumor but was not in a position to give further details into the incident.

PPC Kakas told this newsroom that he has sent police personnel to Sir Salamo's village in Tsak Valley and they are yet to return with the findings.

Sir Salamo was reportedly on his way to Wapenamanda from his village in the Tsak valley (within the same district) when he was attacked.

He was allegedly attacked with his armed body guard by a group of men from a neighboring tribe, over a sorcery related issue.