Officer: Unite in incest fight

 THE rise in incest cases in East New Britain can only be solved through the support of the community, provincial police commander Supt Anthony Wagambie says.

“A community effort is needed – stakeholders from the highest office, public servants, councillors, village elders and all people in the community,” he said.

He said the province was known for the high rate of sexual offences.

“I will be liaising with those in authority to hold a forum involving the community to find ways to reduce the number of sexual offences in the province,” he said. 

“I would like to have all sectors of the community, including our elected leaders, public servants and traditional leaders, take an active role in dealing with this problem.

“The police and the courts can only do so much. 

“We need the involvement of the community. It is for East New Britain as a whole to address.”

Wagambie thanked the people of ENB for reporting sex offences more now than before.

“The fact of the matter is this sort of behaviour is no longer tolerated by the community and therefore is reported to police to take action.”

He said although police had taken action on such cases, sex crimes continued.

“That is why I am calling for active participation by the community to get rid of this evil,” he said.

He called on the government to seriously consider reviewing both the Summary of Offences and Criminal Code Act.