Uncle discharged from rape

By CLIFFORD FAIPARIK
THE Kerema district court has discharged a 67-year-old senior public servant from incest after his 18-year-old victim forgave him, saying only the Lord will judge his sins. The girl also told the court that she felt sorry for her uncle who was the sole breadwinner of his large family, including extended relatives. She also said she had met his wife and made peace with her. The families will also hold a feast as compensation for her. Senior Provincial Magistrate Oaikai Oievka said yesterday the girl’s father also informed court that he supported his daughter’s decision to withdraw the charges. Magistrate Oievka said the case had only been discharged and that the girl could still return to court if she was not satisfied with the out-of-court settlement. Meanwhile, Kerema Police Station commander Sr Insp Michael Pakyei said he was unhappy with the court’s decision to discharge the case. “The court should summon the minor through the subpoena process to continue with the case,” he said. “After all, there is a nationwide awareness on child abuse and domestic violence so the court should have not discharged the case. “I am now reviewing the court’s decision and will ensure that the police re-arrest the uncle and the girl also for allegedly collaborating to compromise the case.” Sr Insp Pakyei said that the uncle appeared before the court last week for allegedly raping the girl in a hotel room in Kerema on April 30.
He was also charged with multiple molests and breach of trust. The uncle, a senior manager with a Government department, was in Kerema for a meeting after travelling from Port Moresby. “He was part of a Government delegation that attended the meeting on the appointment of Kerema development authority following the death of Kerema MP Richard Mendani.