MAN ARRESTED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT OF A MINOR IN MADANG

By Martha LOUISE

A 24-year-old man has been arrested and charged for allegedly sexually assaulting a three-and-a-half-year-old girl in the DAC Settlement area of Madang Province.

The suspect, identified from Yakamul village in Aitape, Sandaun Province, was taken into custody following a complaint lodged by the victim’s mother. The incident allegedly took place on Sunday, December 29, 2024.

According to police reports, the suspect took the victim, and her one-year-old brother to an area behind James Barnes Cannery. He was allegedly seen leading the children along a track toward a small steel bridge over a drain. There, he reportedly engaged in inappropriate sexual acts with the victim before being interrupted by the victim’s aunt, who went searching for them after they failed to return home.

The child later complained of pain, prompting her mother to take her to Modilon General Hospital for a medical check-up. A formal complaint was then lodged at the Town Police Station, and the case was registered.

Acting Madang Provincial Police Commander Superintendent Robert Baim confirmed the arrest, stating, the suspect has been charged under Section 229 B of the Sexual Offences and Crimes Against Children Act 2002.

He is now in police custody at Jomba Police Station and will appear in court soon.

Police have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities involving children to authorities.