27-year-old man jailed 6 years for knife-point rape

Feb 26, 2026 | News | 0

A 27-year-old man has been sentenced to six years and three months in prison for rape on Tanna in 2020.

In Public Prosecutor v Nalawas [2026] VUSC 6, Justice Maree MacKenzie imposed the sentence on Okis Nalawas after he pleaded guilty to one count of sexual intercourse without consent, contrary to sections 90(a) and 91 of the Penal Code.

The court heard that Nalawas chased a woman walking back to her village, grabbed her t-shirt, told her to be quiet, and dragged her into nearby bushes while holding a knife. He then raped her and left the scene. The victim later reported the assault, was medically examined, and filed a complaint with police.

Justice MacKenzie described the attack as traumatic for the victim. In determining the sentence, the Court adopted a starting point of seven years, taking into account aggravating factors including the use of a knife, the victim’s vulnerability, the isolated location, and the risk of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.

Comparable cases, such as Public Prosecutor v Moli, informed the starting point. Nalawas received small reductions for his guilty plea, previous good character, and a customary reconciliation ceremony, though the latter carried limited weight as it related to a sexual affair rather than the rape. No reduction was given for remorse, as the pre-sentence report indicated he denied using the knife and did not fully accept responsibility.

After reductions, the final sentence was six years and three months. The Court declined to suspend the sentence, noting that only the most extreme cases of sexual abuse could justify suspension. The sentence was backdated to 21 March 2025 to reflect time already spent in custody. The Court also permanently suppressed the name and identifying details of the victim to protect her privacy.

The sentence was delivered in Port Vila on 12 February 2026. Nalawas has 14 days to appeal.

SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST

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She is frightened to return home, her mother may be financially dependent on the perpetrator, and younger children in the household may also be at risk. “The police can investigate the crime. But who assesses whether she is safe to go home that afternoon? Who helps her family find a safe way forward? Who ensures she receives medical care, counselling and ongoing support? And who follows up to make sure she remains safe?” the Ministry asks. “These questions cannot wait months or years for a criminal trial to conclude.” Vanuatu already has laws criminalising rape, incest and other sexual offences. Police, prosecutors and courts play an essential role in investigating crimes and holding perpetrators accountable. However, the MOJYCS says criminal investigations and child protection responses serve different purposes. “A criminal investigation asks whether an offence was committed and who is responsible. A child protection response must ask a different, equally urgent question: is this child safe, and what needs to happen now to protect them?” the Ministry says. “Protecting a child must begin when abuse comes to light, not when a perpetrator is convicted.” The Ministry says this is why the proposed Child Protection Bill matters. The Bill seeks to establish a stronger legal framework for protecting children at risk of abuse, neglect and exploitation. It would establish clearer reporting responsibilities, strengthen the authority of child protection officers to assess and respond to abuse, and provide mechanisms for emergency protection, court orders and safe alternative care. The MOJYCS says these measures would establish clear responsibilities and provide the legal authority needed to intervene when a child is in danger. “A child who discloses sexual abuse needs more than a police investigation. That child needs to be safe tonight, tomorrow and in the months and years that follow,” the Ministry says. Parliament has an opportunity to act The MOJYCS recognises that families, chiefs, churches and communities all have important roles in protecting children. However, it says informal arrangements and goodwill are not always enough when abuse occurs within a family or community. Children need a system with clear legal responsibilities, trained professionals and the authority to intervene when their safety is at risk, the Ministry says. It also cautions that legislation alone will not end child sexual abuse. A strong Child Protection Bill must be backed by trained child protection officers, accessible services, effective referral pathways and sustained investment, including in rural and remote communities. Without these investments, the MOJYCS warns, the promise of stronger legal protection risks remaining just that — a promise. For children experiencing abuse, the Ministry says, the issues are not abstract questions about legislation or government responsibilities. They concern immediate safety, dignity, care and recovery. The MOJYCS says a child’s access to protection should not depend on where they live, whom they know or whether someone happens to be available to help when they disclose abuse. “To the MPs who will consider the Child Protection Bill this month: the children behind these headlines deserve more than our concern. They deserve action,” the Ministry says. “Vanuatu cannot undo the abuse these children have suffered. But it can decide what happens when the next child comes forward. “Pass a strong Child Protection Bill. Commit the resources needed to make it work. And ensure that when a read more…

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