Shadow Minister for Justice, and Sinasina-Yongamugl MP Kerenga Kua has praised East Sepik’s law and justice system for swiftly handling recent violence in Maprik, with 165 criminals sentenced in just two weeks. He applauded the Wewak District Court’s efficiency, calling it a national record and urged other regions to follow this example, highlighting the need for faster case resolutions across Papua New Guinea’s judiciary to prevent crime escalation. “I was very pleased to see that within two weeks of violent incidents taking place in East Sepik Province, the perpetrators were immediately arrested, processed and charged and ultimately sentenced to prison by the magistrate." “That is a new national record for the judiciary which has a checkered track record of dispensing justice in an archaic, cumbersome and slow manner." "I commend the efforts of those in the law and justice sector in East Sepik Province who are working in very strenuous circumstances, and I urge them to maintain this standard." “Part of the reason why crime is escalating is due to the very slow and never-ending adjournment of criminal cases in the court system." "While we understand each case has its own facts surrounding the case, it should be in the interest of justice for aggrieved parties that decisions be dispensed in a timely manner.” Mr Kua said that the speedy conclusion of the cases in ESP is an eye opener to all magistrates and judges to speed up cases and deliver justice in real time. “In the same breath I also encourage public prosecutors and police investigators to get their act together when prosecuting crimes.” “Unnecessary delays because of minor administrative and technical issues should be a thing of the past." “As the saying goes, justice delayed is justice denied – a disconnect between crime and punishment is never a deterrent.” “Our systems of justice must work in the interest of justice,”