Police: Rise in sex crimes is a worry

 By JEFFREY ELAPA

EAST New Britain provincial police commander Anthony Wagambie Jr is concerned about the increase in sex crimes in the province.

Wagambie said from Rabaul that while the province was generally quiet with fewer serious crimes, sex offences remained a concern.

“There have been many cases of carnal knowledge, incest, rape and gang rape,” he said. 

“This is not something new and has been going on for a long time now. 

“There are many unresolved and unattended cases which I am now looking at and supporting my CID (criminal investigation division) to follow up and make arrests.  

“The high number of incest cases is very worrying. How can a normal human being have sexual encounters with immediate family members?  

 “I will be calling a meeting with all leaders in the community so that we can address this issue. 

“I will also ensure that perpetrators are arrested and charged and the courts deal with them. 

“It has become common practice that rape, unlawful carnal knowledge and incest cases are dealt with by consensus or village courts. 

“I will not hesitate to have those involved in village court cases, including the village court magistrate, arrested for perverting the course of justice. 

“I know that many of these crimes are not being reported by victims and a lot of underage girls are being abused. 

“They are not reporting it out of fear of being harassed by family members or the suspects.”

He said the effects of this would leave the victims traumatised for the rest of their lives.

“I now call upon all those people who have been victims of sexual crimes to come forward and report them to police. I guarantee that all complaints will be attended to,” he said.

Wagambie said he had plans to strengthen the sexual offences unit. 

“Police will deal with sex offenders decisively so that we rid this province of such sick-minded behaviour,” he said.