ACTING NCD Metropolitan Superintendent Mazuc Rubiang has cautioned young women to be vigilant when socializing with unfamiliar groups, following the arrest of seven students from Sacred Heart Teachers’ College and one outsider.
The suspects, from Western Highlands and Enga Provinces, face charges of allegedly sexually penetrating a female student on October 20 after a cultural event.
According to police reports, the suspects and the victim, along with two other female students, left the college to drink at a nearby settlement where the incident allegedly occurred.
One of the suspects had arranged a taxi to pick up the women, ultimately taking them to the location known as Bomana Turn Off.
The assault reportedly happened after a night of drinking.
Rubiang emphasized the need for young women to exercise caution and avoid placing themselves in potentially unsafe situations.
“I also want to appeal to girls and even females when going out drinking with a group of boys which you are not related to stop doing that. We had seen an increase in rape, murder and other serious cases, so please refrain from going out,” Rubiang added.
After the alleged incident, one of the suspects escorted the victim back to the school, where she sought assistance from the administration, leading to medical and police intervention.
The suspects have since been formally charged under Section 347 (1) of the Criminal Code Act.
He urged young women to remain cautious about their surroundings and the individuals they choose to accompany.
