NCD police arrest suspects involved in sexual assault of teenage girl

Police in the National Capital District [NCD] have managed to apprehend two suspects involved in the abduction and sexual assault of a young girl over the weekend.

The prime suspect, Solo Michael, was caught yesterday at Gordons with his counterpart, the driver of bus 17, who has just been brought into the Boroko Police station. They are yet to be formally charged.

NCD/Central Commander Benjamin Turi confirmed that both men are from Southern Highlands Province, and they are currently being locked up in the holding cell.

"Police have arrested the suspect involved in a recent sexual assault, thanks to public support and intelligence. He is now in custody and will soon appear in court," Turi said.

Turi says the girl's family got rowdy and tried to attack the driver of the bus 17, however police officers intervened and managed to calm the situation.

Solo Michael, the bus crew of bus 17, and his driver were reported to have abducted this young girl and forcefully taken her against her will when she should have been dropped off at the Manu bus stop.

Luckily, she managed to use the suspects phone and reached out for help, which was widely circulated on Facebook prompting police to search.

The young girl managed to escape from the two men and was reunited with her family.

Mr Turi says the safety of women and girls in the city is now the number one priority for the new Metropolitan Superintendent and his office as well.

"To restore public confidence, especially for women and girls, police are increasing patrols in high-risk areas such as bus stops, markets, schools, and settlements.

"No woman or girl should feel unsafe. The public is urged to respect women, look out for each other, report abuse or suspicious behavior, and parents and guardians are encouraged to teach their sons to respect others and uphold dignity," he said.

He's sent out a warning to men and young boys who are harassing and assaulting women that police will use every available resource to make sure perpetrators are caught and face justice.

He called on the public to work together with the police and report such crimes happening in their neighborhood.