Stop the sex predators in PNG!
News that matters in Papua New Guinea
PORT MORESBY: For decades, domestic violence and sexual crimes against children and women have gone unabated in Papua New Guinea.
At the receiving end are mostly women and children (majority girls) with many losing their lives to wife bashers and sex predators.
The measures taken by government authorities, churches and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in the battle against such violence appear to be ineffective, hapless and helpless.
In this respect, it is commendable that Police Minister Jelta Wong has deemed it fit to act and publicly appealed to communities to say “No!” to family violence.
And that was not only just talk. He also wants police anti-violence units in the country to be beefed up in terms of manpower and additional training to better deal with the ever growing violence.
Whether Wong’s noble shot at trying to check or eradicate family violence succeeds or fizzles out, only time will tell. At least he mustered enough courage to publicly take the bull by its horns to deal with a community and nationwide problem that is seemingly impossible to resolve, check or eradicate.
At least he has tried but his and police’s efforts will surely fail if there is no sincere and serious response from churches, NGOs and community leaders to act, not just talk and whine about the problem.
Wong’s appeal to Papua New Guineans to say “No” to family violence was front paged by The National:
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Image for illustration only. For image text, go to https://www.vox.com/2016/7/5/11883784/sex-offender-registry
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Stop the sex predators in PNG!
PORT MORESBY: For decades, domestic violence and sexual crimes against children and women have gone unabated in Papua New Guinea.
At the receiving end are mostly women and children (majority girls) with many losing their lives to wife bashers and sex predators.
The measures taken by government authorities, churches and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in the battle against such violence appear to be ineffective, hapless and helpless.
In this respect, it is commendable that Police Minister Jelta Wong has deemed it fit to act and publicly appealed to communities to say “No!” to family violence.
And that was not only just talk. He also wants police anti-violence units in the country to be beefed up in terms of manpower and additional training to better deal with the ever growing violence.
Whether Wong’s noble shot at trying to check or eradicate family violence succeeds or fizzles out, only time will tell. At least he mustered enough courage to publicly take the bull by its horns to deal with a community and nationwide problem that is seemingly impossible to resolve, check or eradicate.
At least he has tried but his and police’s efforts will surely fail if there is no sincere and serious response from churches, NGOs and community leaders to act, not just talk and whine about the problem.
Wong’s appeal to Papua New Guineans to say “No” to family violence was front paged by The National:
Wong: Say no to family violence
By Rebecca KUKUPOLICE Minister Jelta Wong, pictured, says domestic violence could not possibly be fixed by the police alone and appealed to community leaders to help promote that violence is not acceptable (in any form).
“Let’s all help to try to eradicate (or check the growth of) violence at all levels, starting from within our homes,” he added.
Wong said: “Domestic violence has been happening for far too long with too many people turning a blind eye.
“(It’s time to doing something about it and) we will increase manpower and (step up) training for officers (to handle such cases).”
Wong was responding to The National’s front page report yesterday on the alarming rise in family-related homicide and sexual violence in Lae and Port Moresby.
More than 200 family and sexual violence cases have been reported in Lae and Port Moresby this year or barely three months. And in the national capital district, 23 cases of domestic violence-related homicide were reported.
Wong said police manpower would be increased in the Family and Sexual Violence Unit (FSVU) and Domestic Violence Division (DVD).
“Police officers will also be given additional training to better handle family and sexual violence,” he added.
“I am appalled by the increase in the number of (domestic violence and homicide) reports.
“We cannot condone or tolerate any type of violence, especially against women and children.
“All police officers will get additional trainings to better deal with domestic violence at its early stage to help curb (quarrels from becoming) family homicides.”
Wong stressed that such violence had been happening for far too long, “be it mental or physical violence, we must all say No!”
He said the government was also rolling out additional training for police officers on gender-based violence.
“We are also boosting the DVD to ultimately filter through nationwide.”
“Let’s all help to try to eradicate (or check the growth of) violence at all levels, starting from within our homes,” he added.
Wong said: “Domestic violence has been happening for far too long with too many people turning a blind eye.
“(It’s time to doing something about it and) we will increase manpower and (step up) training for officers (to handle such cases).”
Wong was responding to The National’s front page report yesterday on the alarming rise in family-related homicide and sexual violence in Lae and Port Moresby.
More than 200 family and sexual violence cases have been reported in Lae and Port Moresby this year or barely three months. And in the national capital district, 23 cases of domestic violence-related homicide were reported.
Wong said police manpower would be increased in the Family and Sexual Violence Unit (FSVU) and Domestic Violence Division (DVD).
“Police officers will also be given additional training to better handle family and sexual violence,” he added.
“I am appalled by the increase in the number of (domestic violence and homicide) reports.
“We cannot condone or tolerate any type of violence, especially against women and children.
“All police officers will get additional trainings to better deal with domestic violence at its early stage to help curb (quarrels from becoming) family homicides.”
Wong stressed that such violence had been happening for far too long, “be it mental or physical violence, we must all say No!”
He said the government was also rolling out additional training for police officers on gender-based violence.
“We are also boosting the DVD to ultimately filter through nationwide.”
Unfaithful men should be accountable: Magistrate
By ROBINSON LEKAMEN who are unfaithful to their partners should be held accountable for whatever action or dispute which may arise from their extra-marital affairs, a magistrate says.
Magistrate Cosmas Bidar made the comment when committing wife Velma Pera to stand trial in the National Court for allegedly murdering her husband’s new partner.
Pera, 26, from Kendae village in Southern Highlands, will be tried for the alleged murder of Diana Pawa on Sept 16 last year.
She had been married to Tailor Mark from Enga for three years before he left her to be with Pawa.
The court was told that Pera allegedly confronted Pawa at her home in Gordon and stabbed her on the shoulder.
Relatives of the Pawa’s landlord who saw the incident and attacked Pera.
Both women were injured and taken to the hospital. Pawa later died while Pera was admitted at the emergency ward.
She was arrested and charged after she was discharged from the hospital.
Magistrate Bidar said it was not much the court could do in such cases to deal with the husband.
“Currently there is no law to cover him. While one woman is deceased, another is facing years in prison. And the man is free to do as he pleases,” he said.
“We don’t have any law to deal with him. That’s the sad state of affairs we have.”Pera will remains in custody to await her trial next month.
Magistrate Cosmas Bidar made the comment when committing wife Velma Pera to stand trial in the National Court for allegedly murdering her husband’s new partner.
Pera, 26, from Kendae village in Southern Highlands, will be tried for the alleged murder of Diana Pawa on Sept 16 last year.
She had been married to Tailor Mark from Enga for three years before he left her to be with Pawa.
The court was told that Pera allegedly confronted Pawa at her home in Gordon and stabbed her on the shoulder.
Relatives of the Pawa’s landlord who saw the incident and attacked Pera.
Both women were injured and taken to the hospital. Pawa later died while Pera was admitted at the emergency ward.
She was arrested and charged after she was discharged from the hospital.
Magistrate Bidar said it was not much the court could do in such cases to deal with the husband.
“Currently there is no law to cover him. While one woman is deceased, another is facing years in prison. And the man is free to do as he pleases,” he said.
“We don’t have any law to deal with him. That’s the sad state of affairs we have.”Pera will remains in custody to await her trial next month.
Relatives among sex predators
PASTORS, teachers, boyfriends, uncles and grandfathers are among sex predators who are contributing to the rising number of rape cases in Lae.
“There is an alarming rise in rape cases and the victims are aged 16 and below, including minors under 12 since mid-2017 to last year,” Lae Metropolitan Commander Anthony Wagambie Jr said.
Expressing concern that the cases are rising even faster this year, he said: “(It is time for) parents and communities to help law enforcing agencies to find an amicable way to address the crime.
“These sexual offences involve pastors, teachers in elementary, primary and secondary schools, boyfriends, uncles and bubu’s (grandfathers).
“Recently, two girls, aged 10 and 15, were raped by two principal directors from two schools,” he said.
Wagambie said the rate of major and petty crimes had dropped after initiating a sector response unit (SRU) to help in crime prevention.
“The deploying of a mobile squad and a task force, the inception of a police toll free number and a Facebook page had helped in lowering major and petty crime rates,” he added.
Wagambie said: “Rapes involving girls aged 16 and below, including minors under 12, are occurring daily and unreported because parents and relatives resort to seeking compensation.
“These parents and relatives don’t understand how the girls are traumatised, affecting them psychologically and certainly their future.”
Sexual offences officer-in-charge Sgt Mary Watah said most cases reported for police investigations were girls aged 16 and below.
“We receive four to five cases a month but most cases that occur daily, unfortunately, go unreported,” she said.
“After two weeks or a month, they will come to us when compensation negotiations break down.”
Watah added that police would not investigate consensual sex between boyfriend and girlfriend.
“There is an alarming rise in rape cases and the victims are aged 16 and below, including minors under 12 since mid-2017 to last year,” Lae Metropolitan Commander Anthony Wagambie Jr said.
Expressing concern that the cases are rising even faster this year, he said: “(It is time for) parents and communities to help law enforcing agencies to find an amicable way to address the crime.
“These sexual offences involve pastors, teachers in elementary, primary and secondary schools, boyfriends, uncles and bubu’s (grandfathers).
“Recently, two girls, aged 10 and 15, were raped by two principal directors from two schools,” he said.
Wagambie said the rate of major and petty crimes had dropped after initiating a sector response unit (SRU) to help in crime prevention.
“The deploying of a mobile squad and a task force, the inception of a police toll free number and a Facebook page had helped in lowering major and petty crime rates,” he added.
Wagambie said: “Rapes involving girls aged 16 and below, including minors under 12, are occurring daily and unreported because parents and relatives resort to seeking compensation.
“These parents and relatives don’t understand how the girls are traumatised, affecting them psychologically and certainly their future.”
Sexual offences officer-in-charge Sgt Mary Watah said most cases reported for police investigations were girls aged 16 and below.
“We receive four to five cases a month but most cases that occur daily, unfortunately, go unreported,” she said.
“After two weeks or a month, they will come to us when compensation negotiations break down.”
Watah added that police would not investigate consensual sex between boyfriend and girlfriend.
Church calls for end to violence against women, girls
THE Seventh-day Adventist church has called for an end to violence against women and girls.
Church leader Pastor Kepsie Elodo made the call following media reports highlighting violence against women and children, especially girls.
“The Seventh-day Adventist Church joins others (in the call) to end violence against women and girls,” Elodo said.
Elodo said statistics showed that in societies around the world, women and girls were frequently the victims of violence.
“Actions or threats likely result in physical, sexual, or psychological harm or suffering are incompatible with biblical ethics and Christian morality,” Elodo said.
“Such actions include, but are limited to, family violence, rape, female genital mutilation, honour killings and dowry murders, manipulation, denial of personal liberty, and coercion. (They) are also acts of abuse and violence.
“The Seventh-day Adventist Church says: Let’s end it now.”
Elodo said the church recognised that creation in God’s image bestowed dignity and worth on every individual.
“The measure of that worth is seen in the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ to provide eternal life for everyone. The love and compassion that characterised the earthly life of Jesus sets an example for all His followers in their relationship with others. Christ-like behaviour leaves no room for violence against family members or persons outside the family.
“The Bible counsels Christians to view the body as the temple of God.
“Bringing intentional harm to another person desecrates that which God honours and is therefore sinful behaviour.”
Church leader Pastor Kepsie Elodo made the call following media reports highlighting violence against women and children, especially girls.
“The Seventh-day Adventist Church joins others (in the call) to end violence against women and girls,” Elodo said.
Elodo said statistics showed that in societies around the world, women and girls were frequently the victims of violence.
“Actions or threats likely result in physical, sexual, or psychological harm or suffering are incompatible with biblical ethics and Christian morality,” Elodo said.
“Such actions include, but are limited to, family violence, rape, female genital mutilation, honour killings and dowry murders, manipulation, denial of personal liberty, and coercion. (They) are also acts of abuse and violence.
“The Seventh-day Adventist Church says: Let’s end it now.”
Elodo said the church recognised that creation in God’s image bestowed dignity and worth on every individual.
“The measure of that worth is seen in the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ to provide eternal life for everyone. The love and compassion that characterised the earthly life of Jesus sets an example for all His followers in their relationship with others. Christ-like behaviour leaves no room for violence against family members or persons outside the family.
“The Bible counsels Christians to view the body as the temple of God.
“Bringing intentional harm to another person desecrates that which God honours and is therefore sinful behaviour.”
Push made to stop the torture
By MARJORIE FINKEOIT is time to stop the torture and killing of individuals, mostly vulnerable women, on false accusations of sorcery, says the PNG Tribal Foundation director Ruth Kassam.
“There must be a zero tolerance for this barbaric activity and there must be leadership to end it.”
She made the call in line with what the foundation is doing in developing a programme called ‘Village of Hope’ to support women and children who are refugees in their homes because of sorcery and domestic violence.
Kassam said the Village of Hope will provide a centre for victims affected by domestic violence, sorcery related violence and killing who have left their homes because of fear.
The Village of Hope will provide respite, rehabilitation and repatriate these individuals.
According to a report, sorcery accusation related violence needs the commitment of many people involving both government and civil societies.
She said the work needs assistance, enforcement of existing laws, provide resources by government and educate leaders, police and the judiciary to enforce them.
Kassam said the Tribal foundation being invited to the United Nations to talk about human rights challenges in Papua New Guinea gave it the opportunity to highlight the work that “we do in the dark space of sorcery-related violence”.
“Much of the success we have gained is due to the important partnerships we have with community based organizations and human rights defenders,” she said.
Foundation president GT Bustin said the good news was that this was an area where the foundation could make a difference.
“Falsely accusing someone of sorcery and then torturing them in these modern times is completely unacceptable and the issue is everyone’s problem,” he said.
“There must be a zero tolerance for this barbaric activity and there must be leadership to end it.”
She made the call in line with what the foundation is doing in developing a programme called ‘Village of Hope’ to support women and children who are refugees in their homes because of sorcery and domestic violence.
Kassam said the Village of Hope will provide a centre for victims affected by domestic violence, sorcery related violence and killing who have left their homes because of fear.
The Village of Hope will provide respite, rehabilitation and repatriate these individuals.
According to a report, sorcery accusation related violence needs the commitment of many people involving both government and civil societies.
She said the work needs assistance, enforcement of existing laws, provide resources by government and educate leaders, police and the judiciary to enforce them.
Kassam said the Tribal foundation being invited to the United Nations to talk about human rights challenges in Papua New Guinea gave it the opportunity to highlight the work that “we do in the dark space of sorcery-related violence”.
“Much of the success we have gained is due to the important partnerships we have with community based organizations and human rights defenders,” she said.
Foundation president GT Bustin said the good news was that this was an area where the foundation could make a difference.
“Falsely accusing someone of sorcery and then torturing them in these modern times is completely unacceptable and the issue is everyone’s problem,” he said.
Woman’s death leads man to court
By GIDEON KINDIWAA MAN charged with wilful murder after allegedly slitting the throat of his mistress has been committed to stand trial in the National Court.
Waigani Committal Court Magistrate Cosmas Bidar said there was “sufficient circumstantial evidence” to commit Baddy Ben, 24, from Laiagam in Enga, to trial.
Ben is married with a child and was allegedly having a relationship with Lyn Pasul before she was killed.
Magistrate Bidar told him that in law, there was a term called circumstantial evidence.
“You were the last person seen with the deceased before they discovered her dead body shortly after you left,” he said.
“This means the circumstantial evidence is sufficient to suggest that you should be committed to trial.”
The alleged offence took place on May 18 last year at about 9.30pm at the Community Hall in Morata, Port Moresby.
The court heard that Ben saw Pasul in front of a store and signalled to her to follow him.
She and a friend followed him.
The court heard that Ben gave the friend some money to go and buy some beer while he took Pasul to a nearby playing field where they had sex.
Police alleged that when Pasul asked him for money later, he got angry and slit her throat.
Ben denied the allegations saying some people had threatened them and he ran away.
He later found out that Pasul was killed.
But Bidar said police evidence “showed that you were the last to be with her.
“They found her body shortly after you left,” he said.
“She was completely naked with her throat slit open.”
Waigani Committal Court Magistrate Cosmas Bidar said there was “sufficient circumstantial evidence” to commit Baddy Ben, 24, from Laiagam in Enga, to trial.
Ben is married with a child and was allegedly having a relationship with Lyn Pasul before she was killed.
Magistrate Bidar told him that in law, there was a term called circumstantial evidence.
“You were the last person seen with the deceased before they discovered her dead body shortly after you left,” he said.
“This means the circumstantial evidence is sufficient to suggest that you should be committed to trial.”
The alleged offence took place on May 18 last year at about 9.30pm at the Community Hall in Morata, Port Moresby.
The court heard that Ben saw Pasul in front of a store and signalled to her to follow him.
She and a friend followed him.
The court heard that Ben gave the friend some money to go and buy some beer while he took Pasul to a nearby playing field where they had sex.
Police alleged that when Pasul asked him for money later, he got angry and slit her throat.
Ben denied the allegations saying some people had threatened them and he ran away.
He later found out that Pasul was killed.
But Bidar said police evidence “showed that you were the last to be with her.
“They found her body shortly after you left,” he said.
“She was completely naked with her throat slit open.”
Family sexual violence unit gets help
POLICE at Voco Point in Lae have been given office equipment including a computer by Femili PNG to herlp with their work on family and sexual violence cases.
Chief Sergeant Brian Panda said it was the first time for the station to use computers.
“It will assist police officers here to serve the Voco Point community, Morobe villagers of Salamaua, Bukawa, Finschhafen, Sialum, Wasu and Siassi who use the beachfront as a boat stop,” he said.
Femili PNG also donated computers and printers to police stations at China Town, Tent City and 3-Mile.
Lae operations director Denga Ilave said they were supporting people dealing with family and sexual violence cases.
“They need stationery. We recognised that they need support so the organisation raised a budget to help them so they can provide services that survivors need,” Ilave said.
She said family sexual violence cases were piling up in the stations and police officers need help to deal with them.
Lae police operations commander Superintendent Fred Kaiwa said the computer and printer would be helpful.
“The equipment would be used to serve communities especially regarding Family Sexual Violence cases,” he said.
He thanked the organisation for supporting police work.
Chief Sergeant Brian Panda said it was the first time for the station to use computers.
“It will assist police officers here to serve the Voco Point community, Morobe villagers of Salamaua, Bukawa, Finschhafen, Sialum, Wasu and Siassi who use the beachfront as a boat stop,” he said.
Femili PNG also donated computers and printers to police stations at China Town, Tent City and 3-Mile.
Lae operations director Denga Ilave said they were supporting people dealing with family and sexual violence cases.
“They need stationery. We recognised that they need support so the organisation raised a budget to help them so they can provide services that survivors need,” Ilave said.
She said family sexual violence cases were piling up in the stations and police officers need help to deal with them.
Lae police operations commander Superintendent Fred Kaiwa said the computer and printer would be helpful.
“The equipment would be used to serve communities especially regarding Family Sexual Violence cases,” he said.
He thanked the organisation for supporting police work.
Concerns over rise in child sex crimes in Lae
By PISAI GUMARPOLICE in Lae are concerned about the increase in sex offences targeting children, the latest being the attack on two female students.
Metropolitan Superintendent Anthony Wagambie Jr said while there was a decrease in other crimes, sex offences were increasing.
The attack on the two students, aged 10 and 15, in two schools allegedly involved two men holding high positions. One, a pastor, appeared in court on Monday and was released on a K500 bail. The second is on the run.
“The sexual offence cases are occurring everyday caused by known figures in family homes and communities such as uncles, fathers and step-fathers, cousins and bubu (grandfathers),” he said.
Wagambie said the suspect who allegedly assaulted the 10-year-old had told her to accompany him to the office but then led her to his home where she was assaulted.
The mother found out when the girl told her she was not feeling well and would miss school the next day. She took her to hospital before reporting the matter to police.
Wagambie said the suspect was related to the mother.
He also said the suspect still on the run who allegedly assaulted the 15-year-old girl was also a relative who had been sexually abusing her since she was 10.
All police units have been told to be on the lookout for him as he is well-known in Lae.
Meanwhile, Lae police have also detained a man from Kaintiba who allegedly killed his wife because he wanted to marry the step-daughter.
The woman was reported missing at Six-Mile last Friday. Her body was found floating near the Lae Tidal Basin on Sunday.
“As police step up on policing major and petty crimes, the rate has dropped in Lae. (But) the frequency of sexual offences (involving) minors and females under 18 has increased,” he said.”
Metropolitan Superintendent Anthony Wagambie Jr said while there was a decrease in other crimes, sex offences were increasing.
The attack on the two students, aged 10 and 15, in two schools allegedly involved two men holding high positions. One, a pastor, appeared in court on Monday and was released on a K500 bail. The second is on the run.
“The sexual offence cases are occurring everyday caused by known figures in family homes and communities such as uncles, fathers and step-fathers, cousins and bubu (grandfathers),” he said.
Wagambie said the suspect who allegedly assaulted the 10-year-old had told her to accompany him to the office but then led her to his home where she was assaulted.
The mother found out when the girl told her she was not feeling well and would miss school the next day. She took her to hospital before reporting the matter to police.
Wagambie said the suspect was related to the mother.
He also said the suspect still on the run who allegedly assaulted the 15-year-old girl was also a relative who had been sexually abusing her since she was 10.
All police units have been told to be on the lookout for him as he is well-known in Lae.
Meanwhile, Lae police have also detained a man from Kaintiba who allegedly killed his wife because he wanted to marry the step-daughter.
The woman was reported missing at Six-Mile last Friday. Her body was found floating near the Lae Tidal Basin on Sunday.
“As police step up on policing major and petty crimes, the rate has dropped in Lae. (But) the frequency of sexual offences (involving) minors and females under 18 has increased,” he said.”
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