by Jack Lapauve Jr – EM TV, Mendi
The Family and Sexual Violence Office in Southern Highlands province is under construction in Mendi.
Mendi police station commander, Inspector Peter Buka said the building comes after a rise in sexual violence cases in past years that have been unattended due to no proper officers and department sections to deal with cases.
“Past cases have always been solved through compensation,” Buka said.
“With the building coming up, we will now deal with cases seriously and penalise offenders,” he added.
The building is under construction behind the Mendi Police Station. Kemele Construction Limited won the tender and has been given two months to complete the building.
Inspector Buka said a submission to the law and justice sector was approved late last year for the building. Meanwhile, Buka said the use of police-issued firearms is not a way forward in dealing with offenders. He said the misuse of police firearms creates fear amongst the public.
“I’m discouraging my policemen and women to discharge weapons in public places,” said Buka.
Inspector Buka believes that talking to people is the right way to resolve problems and understand the underlying causes of family and sexual violence.
Community policing started last year in Mendi, with many village leaders praising the method and youths turning in to stop the illegal manufacture of homebrew and sale of marijuana.
Youths are now focused on engaging in farming and community projects, with support from ward councillors and LLG presidents.
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