Man charged with rape in Makira-Ulawa Province

A 60-year-old man has been charged for raping a 13-year-old girl at a logging camp in West Makira.

It was alleged that the suspect had invited the victim with her aunty to spend the night with him, and he allegedly raped the victim after having beer with them.

Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Makira-Ulawa Province, Superintendent Peter Sitai, said the defendant took advantage of the drinking situation and forced the victim to have sexual intercourse with him.

PPC Sitai said the matter was reported to police for investigation, and the suspect was arrested on November 4, 2024.

Superintendent Sitai said the suspect was charged with rape contrary to Section 136(f) of the penal code and released on strict bail condition to appear before Kirakira Magistrates’ Court on the 20th of December 2024.

“I appeal to members of the public in West Makira who might have information about the incident to assist police with its investigation,” said PPC Sitai.

Mr. Sitai said defilement and rape of underage girls is a serious crime under the penal code, and it carried a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

The provincial chief appeals to victims of such crimes to report perpetrators to the police, as it is unacceptable in our communities.