‘Magic’ man faces rape charge

A 74-YEAR-OLD man appeared before the Lae Committal Court on Friday accused of raping of a 16-year-old schoolgirl between March and April.
The court was told that the defendant, Daniel Morea from Milne Bay, allegedly tricked the victim’s family into allowing him to perform a ritual to bring the student and her family prosperity.
Morea appeared before Magistrate Pious Tapil charged with sexual penetration.
The victim was alleged to be a grade nine student at a secondary school in Lae. The court heard that during the alleged period, Morea had sought refuge at the victim’s father’s house at Igam Barracks in Lae.
It was alleged that the defendant was known in the community as someone who could perform special rituals with the use of substances such as oils which he rubbed on subjects, especially young girls and women, to ensure success and prosperity for their families and in their lives.
On his first night with the victim’s family, Morea convinced them that their house was not in order and they were living in poverty and, in order for them to see prosperity, he would have to sleep with the victim for three
nights.
Morea said during those nights he would rub the oil on the victim’s body and transfer power and good fortune to her; the defendant told the family that the victim would utter some words in her sleep and he needed to hear them in order to complete the ritual.
It was alleged that the victim’s father then allowed Morea to carry out the ritual.
Police reports indicated that on the first night, the victim was touched on her breast and private parts and told him to stop which he did.
On the second night, Morea convinced the victim to allow him to sexually penetrate her.
On the third night, the victim refused to see the defendant.
A week later, a relative of the victim asked Morea to perform the ritual to bring him luck and the defendant said he would have to see the victim again.
This time Morea allegedly forced the victim to comply, raping her twice on the same night.
Police indicated that in June a neighbour observed the victim’s demeanour and enquired with the relatives and was told what had happened.
The matter was reported and the accused was arrested and charged with rape under Section 347 Criminal Code Act.
He was refused bail and was remanded in Buimo Correctional Services prison awaiting his next court appearance.