Two men have been arrested and charged in relation to the kidnapping and rape of a 14 year old girl who had been reported missing by her family last weekend.
The Missing Child Report issued by Police on Sunday morning called on the public to help locate Elesi Popese, 14, from Lalomauga, last seen at her home on Saturday morning “wearing a white t-shirt and blue shorts”, the notice had said.
By Sunday evening, the teenager was returned to her family in Lalomauga, after an horrific 24 hours.
Police Commissioner Auapaau Logoitino Filipo has confirmed that two men have been charged for sexual violation of the young girl.
“A 43 and a 32 year old male, both from Luatuanuu, are in custody,” said Auapaau.
“The pair face sexual connection charges which includes rape and other sexual activities as well as a charge of carnal knowledge, as the girl is only 14 years old.”
Preliminary investigations allege the young girl was tied up and gagged by the suspects while she was being sexually violated.
“After assaulting her, one of the suspects dropped her off at Vailele near the gas station,” said the Police Commissioner.
“She then stopped a taxi alongside the road, and asked for help…”
The good Samaritan taxi driver took the young girl to his home – where his wife was able to tend to her before the couple took the victim to the police station.
Police say the taxi driver’s wife fed and showered the victim before she was brought to the station, and later reunited with her family.
The two men from Luatuanuu are remanded in custody until their first Court appearance on the 12th of May 2025
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