Juveniles charged with rape of girl, 13

THREE juveniles have been charged by Kokopo police with the rape of a 13-year-old girl at Maren village, in the Duke of York local-level government, East New Britain, on the night of Aug 24 .
Provincial police commander Senior Inspector Joseph Tabali said the victim was heading towards the beach to meet up with his family after picking up her laplap (wrap around) in the house.
Tabali said the trio aged 16, 17 and 18, are alleged to have held up the victim and took turns raping her.
She reported the matter to her parents, who reported the matter to police.
“Police went to Maren village the next day and arrested the suspects,” Tabali said.
“They were each charged with rape under the Criminal Code Act.
“They are all juveniles, so we had to release them back to their parents.
“They will stay with their parents and appear in court (this week).”
Tabali said two suspects were grade 7 students at a local primary school.
The provincial commander said it was not safe for girls to move around in the community so parents should keep an eye on them.
He said the suspects would appear in court this week.