Alleged rape victim kills herself

The body of a young woman in her early 20s was recovered by police in Manus on Monday this week after she went missing on March 23.

Her lifeless body was discovered hanging from a tree at Kambos village, in the Penabu/Nalisopat Local Level Government, Lorengau, Manus Province.

Acting Manus Provincial Police Commander, Inspector David Yapu, said the woman was  identified as Akili Chris who recently completed her Grade 10 at Manus Secondary School.

The cause of death is yet to be determined by police at this stage but according to police reports, she was earlier raped by her uncle.

The rape incident was dealt at the village court level, where the man was ordered to pay compensation of K2,000 to the deceased, and her families.

Police in Manus believe this may not have gone down well with the victim, which resulted in her suicide.

PPC Yapu said rape is a serious criminal offence and should not be dealt by village court but referred to police for investigation and appropriate action.

"If the case was earlier reported to police and suspect was dealt by police, the deceased would not have committed suicide but survived and the suspect would be dealt by the law.

"Suspect could not be charged for rape as the deceased, who is the key witness, had died."

"We are looking at alternative charges to institute on the suspect. He contributed indirectly to the death of the deceased," PPC Yapu added.

Police investigation will continue.

 

Author: 
Sally Pokiton