A 24-year-old man has been arrested and charged for allegedly sexually assaulting a three-and-a-half-year-old girl at DAC Settlement in Madang Province.
The suspect, originally from Yakamul village in Aitape, Sandaun Province, was taken into custody after the victim’s mother reported the incident.
According to police, the assault occurred on Sunday, December 29, 2024, between 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Reports indicate that the suspect lured the victim and her one-year-old brother to an area behind James Barnes Cannery.
He was seen leading them toward a small steel bridge over a drain, where he allegedly committed the offence.
The victim’s aunt, concerned after the children failed to return home, went searching for them and interrupted the act.
The child later complained of pain, prompting her mother to take her to Modilon General Hospital for medical attention.
A formal complaint was then filed at Town Police Station, leading to the suspect’s arrest.
Madang Provincial Police Commander, Acting Superintendent Robert Baim, confirmed that the suspect has been charged under Section 229B (1)(a) of the Sexual Offences and Crimes Against Children Act 2002.
He remains in police custody at Jomba Police Station and is expected to appear in court soon.
Police are urging the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities involving children to authorities immediately.