Police: Let us deal with sex crimes

ALL sexual offence cases should be referred to police and not dealt with elsewhere, Lae Met Supt Chief Supt Anthony Wagambie Jr, pictured, says.
Wagambie said all sexual offences cases were serious and should be dealt with by police according to law and not at the community level.
Wagambie, who is also the chairman of the Morobe Family Sexual Violence Action Committee (FSVAC) said offenders were getting away with serious sex crimes because the matters have been settled out of court.
“Certain members within the community continue to encourage out-of-court settlements for sexual offences.
“Lae police will not entertain this kind of act or behaviour.
“Sexual offences like child molestation, sexual touching, rape, incest and others are very serious crimes and should be dealt with accordingly,” Wagambie said.
He called on community leaders who are encouraging out-of-court settlements to stop the practice and refer sexual crimes to police.
“Those who entertain compensation and out-of-court settlements are as guilty as the offenders,” Wagambie said.
“Anyone found to be facilitating such activities will be arrested and charged.
“We must be mindful of the survivors of these crimes. They will be left traumatised and scarred for life.
“Perpetrators must be dealt with by way of arrest by police.
“We have an active criminal investigation division sexual offences squad, as well as a family sexual violence unit who will deal with these cases,” he explained.