BY MATHIUS KAHUNGU
Police in the Rwenzori East Policing Region have been challenged to ensure proper management, handling and safe custody of exhibits so as to help the court in adjudicating cases and accordingly administer justice.
The Kasese Resident Judge, Hon. Justice Lawrence Tweyanze reveals that for the period of over one year he has spent in Kasese District, he has encountered cases of exhibit mishandling rendering the state to fail to prove her cases beyond reasonable doubt, leading to dismissal of public interest matters.
Justice Tweyanze made the challenge yesterday during a one-day forensic and exhibit management training for police officers, particularly detectives and those who deal with management and preparation of exhibits to be used as evidence during trial.
According to Justice Tweyanze, Kasese High court circuit has dismissed several cases due to gaps in exhibit handling including; tampering, contamination, replacement, poor labeling, losing exhibits in police custody.
The Senior State Attorney from the Office of the Director of public prosecutions, Counsel James Khauka tipped the police officers to always follow and maintain the chain of exhibits management noting any mistake on them undermines their integrity, credibility, and admissibility before court.
He also appealed to the police officers to always first gather sufficient evidence before preferring charges against any suspects.
His Worship Isha Alinda, the Kasese senior magistrate said some police officers are reluctant to appear before court in case they are summoned to testify, an issue which she said was affecting the effective administration of justice.
The training was, among others, attended by Judicial officers from Kasese High court, the police officers including the Rwenzori East Regional police Commander, SSP Denis Odoch, and several members of the bar. ENDS.