Another Instance of Instant Justice

In yesterday's edition of this paper, readers read another story of a clear case of instant justice of worrying proportions. A young man was beaten and his head suffered an injury as his attackers threatened to kill him after one of them bit off one of his ears. His aggressors took him away to an unknown destination as residents of the neighbourhood just looked on without any form of intervention.

Nobody found it necessary to call the police because it is not a norm to do so. Persons who find themselves in such situations would just have to bear and pray that a police patrol stumbles upon the scene, otherwise death could be the best option. Indeed, anybody who dares call the police could taste the wrath of the usually agitated youth.

If instances of instant justice are not stopped, we shall have innocent persons lynched callously. The police were compelled to issue a warning but this is yet to have any impact.

In the case of the Nima incident, we are told that the victim of the attack was accused of killing someone earlier and we wonder why they could not hand him to the police to help in their investigations.

Some Ghanaians still do not appreciate the role of the police and when to assist them with important information they would need in their investigations. That is why people do not know that when a crowd sets upon another person, they must intervene or even call the Police.

As we write, we are unable to tell his fate or an impression has been created that he has been handed over to the police, something we doubt very much. This should not happen in any civilised society of which ours is a part.

We recall the call by the police to those who are fond of meting out instant justice to desist from the act and wish to add our voice to it. Let us all have confidence in the police to enforce the law the shortcomings in the integrity of the institution from previous experiences, notwithstanding. The Ghana Police Service is ours and it is in existence to serve us. Not cooperating with them in law enforcement matters is not in the overall interest of the country.

We cannot continue to assault or even lynch suspects simply because we think that they have either stolen something or so.

We are pleased to observe that some arrests have been in Kumasi as the police investigate the case of the lady who was stripped naked and molested by a crowd in the Garden City.

We joined other Ghanaians in expressing disdain about the despicable action and so deem it important to commend the police for the swiftness in acting upon the case.

We are saddened, however, that the victim/suspect has refused to return to the police so the investigations can continue after picking hospital forms to see a medical officer.

If she does not turn up, the police might find it difficult to pursue the case and the eventual sanction that should serve as deterrent would not be forthcoming.