Residents of Pujehun Judicial District are expressing satisfaction with the performance of the temporary magistrate, His Worship Mr. George Edwin, Resident Magistrate in Bo, who is currently presiding over cases at the Pujehun Magistrate Court.
According to the residents, Magistrate Edwin’s eloquence and ability to sensitize the audience both during and outside court sessions have left a lasting impression.
Abu Sillah, who has attended court sessions for over a decade, commended Magistrate Edwin as one of the most articulate magistrates he has encountered.
Hassan Massaquoi, another resident, shared his enjoyment of court sessions, describing them as both fun and informative. He emphasized the magistrate’s studious and truthful approach, expressing a high regard for Magistrate Edwin.
In response to the positive feedback, Magistrate Edwin humbly stated that he is simply doing what is expected of him, serving his conscience and God in the pursuit of justice.
Notably, Magistrate Edwin demonstrated his commitment beyond the courtroom by successfully resolving a long-standing land dispute in the shortest possible time, precisely less than an hour.
According to report, notable stakeholders had previously struggled to address the issue but failed, making Magistrate Edwin’s swift resolution a talking point in the Pujehun community.
It could be recalled that the appointment of Magistrate Edwin came as a solution to a judicial crisis in Pujehun District. The absence of a designated sitting magistrate, following the transfer of Magistrate Abdul Carew to the district, led to a backlog of cases and delays in dispensing justice. Magistrate Carew is currently undergoing medical treatment in the United States.
To address the void in the administration of justice, the Judiciary of Sierra Leone activated the Justice of the Peace (JP’s) Court for minor matters outside Preliminary Investigations (PI’s). Additionally, His Worship George Edwin, the Resident Magistrate in Bo, was assigned to preside over Court sittings in Pujehun until the return of the substantive Magistrate or the deployment of another Magistrate to the district, starting on Monday, 15th January 2024.