Parents Arrested for Severe Abuse of Minor in Papua New Guinea

Little Kimberley from Namatanai, Papua New Guinea, was subjected to severe abuse by her parents, who have now been arrested and charged with attempted murder. The appalling mistreatment she faced led to public outcry and numerous requests for her adoption. Thanks to police intervention, Kimberley is now in a safe house where she receives care and support after enduring horrific daily violence.

In a tragic case that has sent shockwaves through Papua New Guinea, little Kimberley from Namatanai endured horrific abuse at the hands of her parents. Her poignant expression of fear—”I don’t want to go, I will be killed”—underscored the severity of her situation. Thankfully, her parents have been arrested and charged with attempted murder, now detained at Kavieng jail as confirmed by Namatanai Rural Police Station Commander Chief Seargent Silau Nambulasa.

The parents, originally from New Hanover, had secured work with a logging company in Namatanai, where they subjected Kimberley to persistent physical abuse. The harrowing conditions she faced were captured on video by police officers who ultimately rescued her, leading to the footage being widely shared online. Kimberley’s body bore the marks of daily violence, including severe burns and scars from being scalded with hot water. This appalling abuse sparked significant public outcry, with numerous individuals expressing their desire to adopt her.

Authorities initially learned of Kimberley’s abuse when they conducted a welfare check at the logging camp, prompted by reports from concerned workers. Initially, her parents faced minor charges of assault, resulting in a K500 fine, which they promptly paid. However, upon a second police intervention, the brutality had intensified, with her parents threatening her with a bush knife and instructing her not to communicate with authorities.

Despite the threats, Kimberley bravely communicated the details of her abuse to a Family and Sexual Violence (FSV) officer. Following her courageous testimony, police apprehended her parents and removed Kimberley from their custody. Although she had lived with her grandmother before this ordeal, she was brought back to the logging camp when her parents found employment there, where the abuse tragically escalated.

Reports indicate her father, an employee at the logging company in Konoagil, displayed a violent temperament, encouraging her siblings to participate in the assaults. Kimberley recounted severe mistreatment, including being kicked, beaten, and scalded with hot water. Fortunately, Kimberley is now safe, residing in a protected environment where her well-being is prioritized, as police officers ensure she receives the proper care and attention during this challenging time.

The case of Kimberley, marked by extreme abuse yet met with swift legal action, has galvanized public attention and concern. Following the arrest and charges against her parents for attempted murder, the community has rallied in support of Kimberley, with many seeking to adopt her. It highlights the critical need for vigilance in child welfare and the implementation of effective measures to protect vulnerable minors from such heinous acts of violence. Through the intervention of law enforcement and community response, Kimberley now has the opportunity for a safer and more nurturing environment.

Original Source: www.postcourier.com.pg