Pujehun District grapples with a severe judicial crisis following the absence of a designated sitting magistrate, resulting in a backlog of cases and a significant delay in the dispensation of justice.

The situation arose due to the transfer of magistrate Abdul Carew to the Kenema magistrate court, originally assigned to Pujehun, leaving the district without a presiding magistrate.

Investigations conducted by sources reveal that Magistrate Abdul Carew is currently undergoing medical treatment in the United States, leaving a void in the administration of justice in Pujehun. Efforts to find a suitable replacement have proven futile, exacerbating the district’s judicial predicament.

To mitigate the crisis, the Chief Justice reportedly appointed a roving magistrate; however, this appointment has not yet materialized in Pujehun District. The prolonged absence of a magistrate in a district with significant ties to international boundaries and neighboring areas exacerbates the urgency of resolving this issue promptly.

John Kainawa Squire, spokesperson for the Sierra Leone Police Media Office in Pujehun, expressed concern over the impact of the absence of a magistrate on legal proceedings. With over 60 cases pending and individuals in custody awaiting trial, the lack of a magistrate obstructs the progress of justice.

Ibrahim Bogiwa Swaray, Chairman of the Civil Society in Pujehun District, stressed the necessity of immediate government intervention. Highlighting the adverse effects on pending cases and the local community, Swaray acknowledged police efforts in investigations but emphasized the indispensable role of a magistrate in the justice system’s effective functioning.

Residents in Jendema, situated in the Sorogbema Chiefdom, face heightened difficulties due to sluggish court hearings, hindering their ability to attend proceedings and further delaying legal proceedings.

Stakeholders within Pujehun District urgently appeal to the government to swiftly address the crisis by appointing a sitting magistrate. The appointment of a competent individual is crucial to alleviate the backlog, expedite justice delivery, and restore confidence in the legal system among residents.

As Pujehun District grapples with the absence of a sitting magistrate, urgent measures are imperative to rectify the situation and uphold the fundamental principles of justice for the community and the legal authorities alike.

However the Judiciary of Sierra Leone had recently released a press, posted on their Facebook page, which reads:

The Judiciary of Sierra Leone wishes to inform the general public that the resident Magistrate transferred from Kenema to Pujehun, His Worship Magistrate Abdul Carew is currently sick and seeking medical attention in the United States of America.
As an immediate remedy to the situation, the leadership of the Judiciary of Sierra Leone has directed that effectively immediately, the Justice of the Peace (JP’s) Court be activated to look into all minor matters outside Preliminary Investigations (PI’s).
Additionally, the Resident Magistrate in Bo, His Worship Mr. George Edwin has been assigned to commence Court sittings in Pujehun starting on Monday 15th January, 2024 which will last for at least a week to deal with Preliminary Investigations. He will return to Pujehun not more than seven (7) days later to continue with them, until the substantive Magistrate returns, OR another Magistrate is deployed to the District.
The public is assured of the Judiciary’s interest in seeing the requirements of the justice sector are met and satisfied.