‘Sexual violence becoming frequent’

CASES of sexual violence against minors are becoming more frequent in court, according to Waigani Committal Court Magistrate Cosmas Bidar.
He made the observation when a 60-year-old man from Asaro in Eastern Highlands appeared before him charged with raping a five-year-old. “Ten to 20 years ago, such cases didn’t usually happen. But today it is happening more often,” he said.
Police alleged that on Sept 23, between 7pm and 7.30pm, the girl was about to take a bath when she started feeling discomfort in her private part.
When she was asked why, she said: “Bubu touched my papasi (vagina)”.
The court was told that the man had allegedly inserted his finger into her vagina.
The matter was reported to the police and the man arrested. He admitted to police at Boroko that he committed the crime.