Executive reports girl was gang-raped, but says prosecution is outside of its remit; residents are outraged by the revelation

A full investigation reportedly has been launched into the gang rape of a girl by a group of adult males.

The Executive acknowledges that it has been informed of the incident, as the Police probe the matter.

The weekly Cabinet report says that “all the agencies of the government within the social protection systems have been activated to address the needs of the victim.”

It also notes that the issue of prosecution is outside the jurisdiction of the Executive arm of Government – meaning that this is a matter for the Police and the courts.

Meanwhile, members of the public are shocked, angry and outraged at the news.  One woman, who says she, herself, was molested by a man, says that the accused should be put to death.

Recounting her ordeal, she says that being raped by one man is horrific enough; therefore, she cannot imagine being violated by a group of men.

She adds that undergoing such an ordeal leaves the victim with horrifying memories for the rest of her life, and what she calls this “heartbreaking” has made her hate men even more.

Another woman observes that men continue to take advantage of young and vulnerable girls, who are scarred for life by such brutal acts.

She expresses the hope that the child-victim will be afforded regular counseling sessions so that she will have a chance to move on and live a normal life.  But she acknowledges that this type of experience stays with a person for life.

The woman says that young girls need proper protection from predators, and she is hoping the law will deal with the accused harshly.

Over the past few years, however, residents have complained about the extremely lenient sentences for the sexual abuse of children.  And on a regular basis, they have criticized the Police, in particular, for failing to prosecute the adults who harbour runaway youngsters.