Labasa Police are investigating an allegation of the rape of a five-year-old girl of Macuata Province.

This was confirmed by Police spokesperson Inspector Jokatama Qio yesterday.

“A report on this was referred to us from health officials of Labasa Hospital last week,” Inspector Qio said.

“We are waiting to receive the doctor’s full report so that we can formulate the statements.

“As of now no arrest has been made and we cannot reveal details about the suspect.”

Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Josefa Koroivueta thanked the health officials of Labasa Hospital for exposing the crime.

“There have been several comments made about sexual violence on children and these kinds of cases brought to tell us that there is a right issue,” Dr Koroivueta said.

“We appreciate the responsible behaviour and action taken up by the medical professionals and reporting it to the Police which is within the child welfare decree,” he said.

“It pains our heart when we hear such cases.

“The rape of a five-year-old is totally unacceptable.

“It is a moral crime and it is by any religious standard totally unacceptable.

“We should never condone it in our country.”