Rape a prevalent offence, says judge

RAPE has become a prevalent offence which constitutes the invasion of privacy of the most intimate part of a woman’s body, according to a judge.
Judge John Kaumi made the remark at the National Court in Buimo when jailing Seth Newman Titus of Laiagam’s Kambuing village in Enga 40 years for two counts of rape last Friday.
He quoted former Chief Justice Sir Salamo Injia who stated (State vs Kenneth Penias 1994) that “women in urban and rural areas who once enjoyed freedom and tranquillity are now living under fear and felt restricted because of the pervasive conduct of men”.
Defence lawyer Colman Boku submitted a plea for leniency saying that Titus be placed on a good behaviour bond instead.
State lawyers Mercy Tamate and Susan Joseph suggested a custodial sentence of between 20 and 25 years, saying the offence was very serious.
The court was told that on Jan 1, 2018 around 1am, Titus and others abducted the girl at the gate to her home and held her in a container.
The court heard that when other boys tried to help her, Titus and others scared them off and took turns to rape her. She was later rescued by two boys.
A medical report confirmed that she was gang-raped.
“Rape is a crime of violence and, like other offences of violence, calls for a deterrent sentence,” Judge Kaumi said.
Judge Kaumi ordered that the 20 years for the two rape charges be served concurrently, and custodial period of four years and 11 months be deducted.
Titus will serve the balance of 15 years and one month with hard labour at the Bihute Prison in Goroka, Eastern Highlands.