Sexual assaults against children continue to rise and the Police have now said that a red alert 24 hour response is needed when these offences occur.

Three cases have come to light over the last four days.

In one case, a 19-year-old unemployed man will be appearing in the Labasa Magistrates Court today charged with two counts of rape.

The accused is alleged to have sexually assaulted a 9-year-old student during the month of October in Taveuni.

The incident allegedly occurred when the victim was sent to their neighbour’s house to have their mobile phone charged.

In the second incident, a 31-year-old carpenter of Labasa has been charged with sexual assault.

The accused is alleged to have sexually assaulted a 10-year-old girl at the victim’s home.

The third incident has seen a 22-year-old farmer of Labasa charged with 5 counts of defilement.

The accused is alleged to have defiled a 15-year-old student between October last year and earlier this month.

Police are sending out a strong warning to would be offenders that they will not tolerate crimes of this nature that continue to rob the innocent lives of our young children.


Story by: Vijay Narayan