By Loretta B Manele

Police in Auki arrested a 30 year-old male for the rape of a person with disability in West Mbaelelea in Malaita province.

According to the police press conference held yesterday at Rove Police headquarters, it was alleged that the suspect led the victim to the bush between July and November this year and had sex with the victim on several occasions.

The victim’s auntie noticed changes in the victim and took her to the clinic for a pregnancy test which came back positive.

She then reported the matter to the police and the police have arrested the suspect.

He was charged and is set to appear in court at a later date.

The victim is under the care of Kilu’ufi hospital.

Police Commissioner Mostyn Mangau referred to this case as a sad incident because as a person with disability, the victim and other people with disabilities should be all respected by our communities.

“We have values and elders in our communities and parents should teach their children to respect people with disabilities.

Today it may be someone else’s child that is having that problem, tomorrow it may be any of our children that may have that similar problem”

He stated that as a Christian country, we should show people with disabilities more respect.

Mangau urges people to treat people with disabilities in their communities with respect.