18 Nov 2004

PNG police to charge top politician with rape

4:08 pm on 18 November 2004

Papua New Guinea police say they have gathered enough evidence to charge a leading politician with the rape of a school girl in Madang.

The incident is alleged to have occurred two weeks ago.

The Momase Divisional Commander, Giosi Labi, says he travelled to Madang yesterday to be briefed on the case.

"All the files into this alleged rape by this politician have been completed there is enough evidence to charge this politician. However we are advised by the Public Prosecutor that we are unable to do it now because the parliament is in session. The parliament adjourns end of this month, then we will proceed with the arrest, question him, interview him and possibly charge."

Commander Labi says the person will not be treated specially because of their position.