Man charged with rape of minor

A MAN in Manus has been charged with the rape of a minor, police say.
Provincial police commander Chief Inspector David Yapu said police travelled to Rambutso Island in the Rapatona local level government last weekend to arrest John Tapoan, 39, of Tambulul village.
He was charged with the sexual penetration of a minor. The incident allegedly occurred on Nov 21 at Paniselu village on the island. The girl is from that village and is in Grade Seven at the Paniselu Primary School.
Yapu said police also used the trip to the island to conduct awareness on law and order. He commended the community leaders for doing their bit to maintain law and order on the island.
“This is the way forward when community leaders such as ward councillors, ward development committees and village court magistrates play a leading role in maintain law and order in their wards,” he said.
Yapu said sexual offences were becoming prevalent in the province and many remained unreported.
He is hopeful that a concerted effort by community leaders would assist victims and relatives report sex crimes to police so that perpetrators can be dealt.