Acting Superintendent David Seine

And police are now appealing to women in the province to be mindful of their timing when moving about.

Acting Superintendent David Seine says most of these rape cases were reported to have occurred between 10pm and 3am.

Committed by opportunists, the PPC extended his appeal to the public in Goroka to be mindful of their surroundings and be accompanied by males when moving about at night.

Provincial Police Commander, Acting Superintendent David Seine, says there has been a slight increase of reported cases coming in from the districts.

While some may have been unreported, he says four cases reported in the last four to six weeks are alarming.

Police in the province are currently working to apprehend all 23 people who were allegedly involved in the brutal killing of three people, accused of practicing sorcery in April.

PPC Seine says so far only three people have been arrested and charged over the killing.