Parents, teachers, community leaders, village elders, youth groups, religious leaders and relevant authorities are being asked by the Education Ministry to be more proactive to weed out disgusting, degrading and violent conduct against children.

This is the message from Minister Filipe Bole who said we need to act now against this kind of conduct, following the alleged rape of a class three student of a Suva school within the school premises last week.
      
Bole said regular monitoring of attendance must be carried out at the beginning of each class and if the washrooms are a distance from the classroom, it is suggested that students be accompanied by a classmate.

The Minister said children should be reminded that nobody becomes their relative or friend overnight, everyone should keep an eye on people who would make such approaches and Children should also be wary of those overly affectionate and generous people who would lure kids with gifts and other goodies.

Meanwhile, 21yr old Petero Bai who is charged with the rape of the class three student has been remanded in custody after appearing in court yesterday.

This is after strong opposition on bail from prosecution who stressed that the offence of rape carried a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

Bai appeared before Suva Magistrate Makareta Mua however no plea was taken.
 
Magistrate Mua in denying bail to Bai also revealed that the accused is on a 2 year suspended sentence for house break in and larceny.

She said it was in the matter of public interest that Bai be remanded in custody.

The case is adjourned to April 12th for mention.

The victim was found unconscious in the toilet by some students last Thursday at the Suva based school.