40 year-old arrested over allegations of rape

Police in Kirakira, Makira Ulawa province have arrested a 40-year-old male in relation to a rape incident that occurred at Kaonasugu Village, Makira/ Ulawa Province on 11 April 2019.

The accused was arrested after the victim filed a report at Kirakira Police Station regarding the incident on 12 April 2019 and on the same day the accused was arrested.

It will be alleged in court that on the 11th of April 2019, the victim went after her parents who were drunk to her auntie’s home about 200 – 250 meters away from the main village and stayed there.

It will be further alleged that after midnight her parents started arguing and assaulting each other. Upon seeing this the victim decided to go back to their house in the main village.

It is further alleged that whilst walking home, the accused came out from the bush and grabbed her by the hands. He asked to have sexual intercourse with her, but the victim refused.

Despite of the refusal, the accused quickly held on tightly to her hands and dragged the victim to the side of the road where she was forced to have sexual intercourse with her and then he escaped.

“Investigations into this matter is currently underway and Police condemn the incident in the strongest term. Everyone need to work together with the police to discourage such acts in our different communities. The recurrence of such acts is a sign that our communities are not safe and peaceful especially for our women and girls," says Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Makira Ulawa Province, Superintendent Peter Sitai.

He adds: "We will not take these kind of incidences lightly but will work hard to ensure that perpetrators of this kind of offence must face the full force of the law.”

“I would like to appeal to the general public in and around the area of the incident to come forward with any information they may have to help police with their investigation," says PPC Sitai.
Rape is a criminal offence carrying maximum penalty of life imprisonment.