The Tribune

By SANCHESKA BROWN

Tribune Staff Reporter

sbrown@tribunemedia.net

A 25-year-old man is in police custody in connection with the alleged rape on Thursday of a teenage girl he met on Facebook.

According to reports, shortly after 6pm the 19-year-old victim went to the home of the suspect in Elizabeth Estates, where she was allegedly raped. Police arrested the suspect a few hours later and investigations continue.

Earlier this week, police warned women to be “extra careful and vigilant” after a recent “spike” in the number of reported rapes in New Providence.

Supt Paul Rolle, Officer in Charge of the Central Detective Unit, said police are not sure what has caused the increase in reported rapes. However, they are concerned about the frequency of the sexual assaults.

He said police suspect that different people are the rapists. The incidents have occurred in different areas across New Providence.

His comments came after four women were raped in the past three weeks, two women while walking and two while driving in their vehicles.

On Wednesday night in the House of Assembly, Social Services Minister Melanie Griffin also warned women to be “vigilant, careful and to utilise strength in numbers when travelling at night.”