A 37-year-old man from Sigabaduru Village in Western Province, was arrested by Daru Police and now in police custody for the rape and wounding of his stepdaughter on Monday 3rd March 2025. The perpetrator was apprehended at Sigabaduru Village in Western Province through a police dawn raid following the report of the incident on Wednesday 30th April. He was apprehended and taken to Daru Police Station. South Fly Provincial Police Commander (PPC), Superintendent Gideon Kauke confirmed that the suspect was married with two children. According to reports, the initial incident occurred when the victim was forced into having sex with the stepfather; however, the victim later managed to run away from the bushes, escaping the stepfather and managed to find the main track leading to the village. The stepfather followed her and attacked her with a machete, cutting her three times on her body. The stepfather was married to her (victim’s) mother for almost 14 years. PPC Kauke stated that the victim, who sustained serious injuries, was first taken to Saibai Island for medical care that day and later medevac to Cairns, Australia, for further treatment. Moreover, PPC Kauke confirmed that the suspect also threatened to kill his wife and the stepchildren from her previous marriage after the incident, including immediate family members of his wife which triggered them to flee the village and seek refuge on Saibai Island, close to the border of PNG and Australia. PPC Kauke said the reason was that the suspect forcefully threatened to marry the victim but upon an unsuccessful attempt he resorted to violence. The Daru Transnational Crime Unit is leading the investigation to get further information from the victim since the victim is now in Australia's territory. “We are now collecting statements, medical reports forensic examination report, affidavits of medical practitioner and any other information that is deemed helpful for the investigation” PPC Kauke said. Furthermore, PPC Kauke stressed that information would greatly support the investigation and prosecution of the suspect through counterparts of the Australian law enforcement agencies. He emphasized that legal action is necessary to deter others from engaging in similar illegal activities. PPC Kauke thanked Daru Transnational Crimes Unit officers for providing effective leadership and successfully producing results.