Concerns over rise in child sex crimes in Lae

By PISAI GUMAR
POLICE in Lae are concerned about the increase in sex offences targeting children, the latest being the attack on two female students.
Metropolitan Superintendent Anthony Wagambie Jr said while there was a decrease in other crimes, sex offences were increasing.
The attack on the two students, aged 10 and 15, in two schools allegedly involved two men holding high positions. One, a pastor, appeared in court on Monday and was released on a K500 bail. The second is on the run.
“The sexual offence cases are occurring everyday caused by known figures in family homes and communities such as uncles, fathers and step-fathers, cousins and bubu (grandfathers),” he said.
Wagambie said the suspect who allegedly assaulted the 10-year-old had told her to accompany him to the office but then led her to his home where she was assaulted.
The mother found out when the girl told her she was not feeling well and would miss school the next day. She took her to hospital before reporting the matter to police.
Wagambie said the suspect was related to the mother.
He also said the suspect still on the run who allegedly assaulted the 15-year-old girl was also a relative who had been sexually abusing her since she was 10.
All police units have been told to be on the lookout for him as he is well-known in Lae.
Meanwhile, Lae police have also detained a man from Kaintiba who allegedly killed his wife because he wanted to marry the step-daughter.
The woman was reported missing at Six-Mile last Friday. Her body was found floating near the Lae Tidal Basin on Sunday.
“As police step up on policing major and petty crimes, the rate has dropped in Lae. (But) the frequency of sexual offences (involving) minors and females under 18 has increased,” he said.”