Police warn women after gang rapes

 By ARMSTRONG SAIYAMA

POLICE have warned women to be extra careful about their safety following several rape cases in Port Moresby.

Police said a woman was picked up at a nightclub in Port Moresby and allegedly raped by four men last Thursday at Taurama valley.

National Capital District acting metropolitan commander Perou N’dranou said the men took the woman to Vadavada settlement in Taurama and took turns in assaulting her.

She was later dropped off at Sabama.

Another woman was allegedly raped by a group of men at the Kone Tigers Oval on the same day between 2pm and 3pm.

People near the scene reported the attack  to police.

“A search was conducted by police and one man was identified by the victim,” N’dranou said.

He said the man was arrested for questioning.

N’dranou said another girl, 14, was allegedly raped by a man, aged 25, last Wednesday at the 8-Mile block in the capital city as well.

“The girl went missing from her house at about 2pm and the whole family was looking for her,” he said.

N’dranou said when the girl returned, she told them of her ordeal. 

Police have arrested the man.

N’dranou said the suspect involved in the alleged rape of a 16-year-old girl was allegedly under the influence of liquor when he committed the offence.

 “The victim was asleep when she heard the suspect knocking on her room door,” he said.

N’dranou said the girl opened the door thinking that it was her mother.

“The suspect forced his way inside the victim’s room and held her mouth, stopping her from screaming,” N’dranou said.

He said the suspect, aged 30, was bigger than the girl and used his weight to pin the victim down.

N’dranou said that following an investigation, the suspect was initially arrested but released for unknown reasons from the Boroko police station.

He said the suspect was re-arrested last Thursday, charged and placed in police custody.

The city police chief said rape has become prevalent in the capital and was a serious criminal case and had to be reported to the police. 

“People should not resort to paying compensation in rape cases,” he said.

N’dranou appealed to girls and women to take extra precautions in Port Moresby.

He urged parents to discourage their daughters from venturing into isolated areas or walking alone at night.

“Also, girls and women should not consume alcohol with strangers,” N’dranou said.

He appealed to the public to protect and respect girls and women in the city.