Compo leads to crime rise

By JIMMY KALEBE
NORTHERN commander Asst Comm (ACP) Peter Guinness says compensation payments contribute to the rise in rape and other major crimes in the country.
“Criminals are using compensation to avoid facing the course of justice and get away scot free,” he said in response to The National’s series of news reports the past two days on compensation payments for settling rape and other criminal cases.
“This is what is happening today and that is why we are seeing a rise in rape cases in Madang this year,” he said, adding that the problem was not exclusive to Madang but also elsewhere nationwide.
He said many people had come under pressure to settle crime for compensation and “this has emboldened criminals”.
ACP Guinness reminded and warned those engaged in compensation payments that they were committing a crime under the Criminal Code Act and “we will not hesitate to take action to stop justice being derailed”.
He said the courts were the appropriate place to dispense with justice fairly, “not anyone else or compensation”.
ACP Guinness appealed to parents to take care of their children, especially girls, and to ensure their security and safety both at home and in public.
“Criminals are preying on girls and young women daily.
“Parents must, therefore, remain extremely vigilant and alert of the threats and dangers to the vulnerable,” he said, adding that rape cases could also lead to major law and public order problems when the relatives of the victim (s) retaliated and resorted to violence, killings or damaging properties.