By Mohamed T. Massaquoi
The Police Family Support Unit Line Manager in Pujehun, Detective Inspector Lahai Koroma has confirmed to Politico that they have successfully charged 37-year-old man who allegedly sexually penetrated his nine-year-old step daughter. The 37-year-old man made his third appearance at the Pujehun Magistrate court, Southern part of the country.
Koroma said the matter was reported to his unit by the mother of the victim on the 2nd of August, this year. According to him, the accused raped the girl whiles her mother was on a business trip.
“When the mother returned from the trip, she was told by neighbors that she must check her daughter. Because the girl wasn’t walking properly as a result of the pain,” Koroma said.
“The matter has been charged to court on two counts; sexual penetration of a girl and sexual abuse by a person in trust,” he added.
This case is one among many in Pujehun, which has a history of sexual abuse cases.
Police say rape and sexual penetration cases in the district are on the increase. In 2017, a 12 year old known as Mamie died following a gang rape by three men. Similarly, in 2016 a three year old girl was sexually abused by a 36 year old military man of the 14 Infantry Battalion in the district headquarters.
Police over the years have blamed community people for compromising rape and sexual penetration cases. Collaboration from community people is a major obstacle in rural areas to tackle rape and sexual penetration. Factors like poverty have also been a major impediment.
The capacity of Police and witnesses throughout the trial of these cases have also been challenging.
Early this year, President Julius Maada Bio announced a state of emergency to tackle rape following the spate of the vulgar crime across the country. In his proclamation he announced extreme measures such as life sentence for perpetrators.
As a further measure, the Sexual Offences Act is also under review.
Inspector Koroma said despite efforts made by police, humanitarian organizations and civil society activists, issues of sexual abuse against young girls remain challenging in the district.
The Police detective revealed to Politico that the mother of the latest victim is presently pregnant for the perpetuator.
The accused is currently locked up in Pujehun Correctional Center. His case has been commuted to the high court. The victim is said to be responding to treatment.
© 2019 Politico Online
