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24-yo male teacher gets 8 years for sex with underage student

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

A 24-year-old man has been sentenced to eight years imprisonment for having sexual intercourse with a girl under the age of 15.

The man, who was a teacher, pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual intercourse.

Judge John Keniapisia gave this judgement on May 1.

Keniapisia said this sentence must be a custodial one to teach the accused (teacher) a lesson that teachers hold a parental role over their students, and that role is a higher calling to take good care of every aspect of the student’s welfare, not just academic, but also her future welfare and interest.

Keniapisia said education is the key to the future well-being of any young child and this is the fundamental responsibility of every school teacher.

In this case the victim was under 15 years old and a form 2 student in one of the schools around Auki at the time the crimes took place. The perpetrator was one of the victim’s teachers.

The accused had sexual intercourse with the victim on three separate occasions. The first incident was on an unknown date in June 2019 at night in Auki.

The facts said the accused and the victim made an agreement to meet under the mango tree and the accused went there and both had a sexual intercourse. At that time the victim was 14 years old and eight months.

The second offending occurred on the night of September 24, 2019.

The victim knew there was a unit test the next day so she called the accused and informed him that she will come to his house with her notes for explanations.

The victim went to the accused’s home and after they went through the notes they had sexual intercourse. The victim was 14 years and 11 months old when the second offending occurred.

The third offending occurred on October 22, 2020 at Auki. Both the accused and victim planned to meet that night. The victim informed the accused to come to her house. The accused had to wait until the victim called and inform him that her parents and brothers had already slept.

The accused went to the victim’s house and ask for them to have sexual intercourse outside of the house, but the victim led him into her room and they had sexual intercourse in the victim’s room. The victim was only 15 years and 11 months old at the time the third incident occurred.

Court imposed a starting point of eight years imprisonment.

Aggravating factors include the accused being in a position of trust to the victim as her teacher, the age disparity where the accused was 24 years and victim was 14 years old and 8 months, emotional and psychological harm, the repetitive offending and pre-planning.

For all of the above four aggravating factors, court inflate the starting point to15 years head sentence before mitigation factors.

Court took into account the mitigating factors which included the early guilty plea, first time offender with no previous conviction, compensation and delay. Court deducted seven years for the mitigating factors.

Accused faces the head sentence of eight years in prison.

Samuel Tovosia for Crown and Limeniala for the accused.

19-yo male gets 7 years in prison for raping 5-yo girl

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

A 19-year-old male has been sentenced to seven years in prison for raping a five-year-old girl in a village in West Kwara’ae, Malaita Province.

The sentence was delivered on May 3 at the High Court by Judge John Keniapisia.

In delivering sentence Judge Keniapisia said the head sentence of seven years is to alert like-minded offenders to take notice that sexual contamination of small girls’ private part is not acceptable, thus, adults should take care of small girls who are the most innocent, vulnerable and weak in the village.

The convict, who cannot be named to protect the identity of the victim, was charged with one count of rape to which he pleaded guilty on April 26.

Court heard that on September 7 last year at Dala South village, the victim was playing with her cousins at a nearby playing field. Her mother was at the garden at that time.

The victim, after playing, wandered around and came across the lodge of the accused which was just beside the field.

The door of the lodge was open. The victim went and sat on a bench in the accused’s room.

The accused knew someone was inside. When he went inside, he saw the victim.

Court heard that the accused could see her private part as well because she was only wearing a skirt at that time.

He removed the victim’s skirt and raped her.

After raping her he made the victim to wear her skirt and gave her a shampoo and she went from the accused’s lodge.

At around 5pm that same day, the victim’s mother returned from the garden and learnt about the incident from her four-year-old son.

The victim’s mother asked the victim and she confirmed to her mother that the accused had removed her skirt and raped her.

The matter was later reported to the Auki Police who did an investigation and arrested the accused and charged him.

Samuel Tovosia acts for crown and Mr Limeniala for the accused.

HCC law enforcers allegedly arrested, assaulted man for ‘shouting’

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Chris Inosia. Photo credit - TAVULI NEWS.

BY NED GAGAHE & MAVIS N PODOKOLO

The Honiara City Council’s law enforcement is under the spotlight for abuse of power, following its members’ arrest and assault of a man for ‘shouting’ at the officers.

The incident occurred on Tuesday when HCC law enforcers demolished street food vendors’ tables and confiscated their produces at the raintree shade beside the King Solomon hotel, and outside the Girl Guides area.

After detaining the food vendors near the Girl Guides, members of HCC law enforcers ran towards the Anthony Saru building ground floor, entered the SIEA Cashpower office, assaulted and dragged the security guard outside and bundled him into their landcruiser, witnesses told Island Sun.

Chris Inosia, the 38-year-old guard, intends to open police case against the Honiara City Council (HCC) Law Enforcement Officers who apprehended and assaulted him.

Inosia, an employee of Focus Security Services Limited was arrested by Law Enforcement Officers on Tuesday for what they say Inosia was yelling insults at them and interfering with their job.

Inosia, denied the he was shouting at the officers, instead he said the officers mistook his yelling which was directed towards two women food sellers who were running away from the raid.

He was swiftly apprehended and forcibly taken into custody by seven HCC officers who transported him in a Landcruiser to HCC headquarters.  

Speaking to Island Sun yesterday, the father of six from East Kwara’ae confirmed that he will pursue the case with the police.

He is currently awaiting his medical report from Doctors at the National Referral Hospital.

Chris said once he received the report from doctors then he will proceed to open the case with the police.

He said he was held from 11 and later released around 3:30pm where he was punched repeated and traumatize.

He described the physical assault, recounting how he was punched repeatedly, even facing a challenge to fight from one officer.

Despite his attempts to explain the misunderstanding regarding his shouting at two women to show their permits, Chris alleges the officers did not listen and continued their assault.

“I shouted at the two women, urging them to present their permit to the officers to avoid confiscation of their belongings.

“However, the officers inside the HCC vehicle mistook my shouts as directed towards them. Moments later, I retreated to the office and sat down. To my shock, they barged in, punching me immediately.

“Despite my attempts to resist, they forcibly dragged me outside, with one officer even attempting to break my hand.

“Then, they thrust me into the Landcruiser, where the assault continued. Upon arrival at HCC headquarters, I was thrown out of the vehicle and taken into a small room.

“Without inquiry, they commenced a barrage of punches. Despite my efforts to explain, they ignored my pleas, intensifying the assault.

“At one point, I nearly lost consciousness, resorting to washing my head with water to regain my composure.”

“Despite his pleas for understanding and attempts to clarify the situation, he endured relentless beatings until he nearly lost consciousness.

“Chris revealed the officers warned him against reporting the incident, threatening him with charges if he dared to do so.

Allan Tom the General Manager of Focus Security Services Limited strongly condemn the incident.

“I was not aware of the incident until when Solomon Power called me to have one of their security officers to be sent over at the Plaza to relief Chris while he was taken by the HCC Law enforcement officers.

“Yes, at least the officers have the curtesy to call and inform us his employer for us to aware of what is the situation, so that we go down and settle the issue.

“The HCC Law enforcement officers had never made any attempt to inform us.

“The action they did is inhumane. They know the law and they should ask him what happened and to beat him like that, I for one I am totally disagree.

I mean they should have concern that he is a human being. They should question him on the right way. At least one of our representatives is there to witness what happened.

“For their action to beat him up I am totally disagreeing with that.” Tom said.

The Head of Law Enforcement for the Honiara City Council, Robert Madeo, said in an interview that their enforcement authority allows officers to arrest anyone who insults or disturbs them while they’re doing their job.

Regarding an incident this week where a security guard was arrested by  Honiara City Council  enforcement officers, Madeo said he wasn’t aware of it until later that day.

He assured the public that they can voice complaints and concerns about such incidents and promised to investigate the matter.

Madeo emphasised that while they understand people’s right to complain, they also have the authority to arrest those who insult or disrupt them during their duties.

Meanwhile, the HCC Bill Amendment Bill, 2023, says the following:

55N Function and powers of law enforcement officers

(1) The function of a law enforcement officer is to enforce this Act and Ordinances.

(2) In performing that function, if the law enforcement officer believes on reasonable grounds that a

person is committing or has committed an offence under this Act or an Ordinance, the law

enforcement officer may:

(a) require the person to state his or her full name and usual place of residence and to produce

evidence of the person’s identity; or

(b) enter and search premises or a vehicle which appear to be being used or to have been used for

committing the alleged prescribed offence; or

(c) ask the person questions relating to the alleged prescribed offence; or

(d) ask the person to give the law enforcement officer specified information or a specified thing relating

to the alleged prescribed offence, or to produce the information or thing at a specified place and time;

or

(e) search the person’s bags or other articles in the person’s possession; or arrest and detain the person

or arrest the person and take the person to the nearest police officer or police station; or

(f) arrest and detain the person or arrest the person and take the person to the nearest police officer or

police station; or

(g) ask another person, who the law enforcement officer reasonably believes has knowledge of matters

in respect of information about the alleged commission of the offence, questions about such matters; or

(h) seize and retain goods or movable property which the law enforcement officer believes on

reasonable grounds to have a connection with the alleged commission of the prescribed offence and

issue a receipt for the goods to the person in whose possession the goods appear to be; or

(i) as provided for by a court order, destroy or demolish property in connection with the commission of

a prescribed offence; or

(j) under Division 2, issue infringement notices and receive payments of fixed penalties; or

(k) take necessary steps and use reasonable force to take an action under paragraph (b), (e), (f), (g), (h)

and (i).

(3) If a law enforcement officer arrests a person under the age of 18 years, the officer must as soon as

practicable take the person to the nearest police officer or police station.

(4) A person is not obliged to provide information as required under this section if to do so might tend to

incriminate the person or make the person liable to a penalty.

(5) A police officer may assist a law enforcement officer perform the law enforcement officer's function.

(6) A law enforcement officer who arrests a person under subsection (2), must not after doing so

continue investigating the case against a person, unless the law enforcement officer does so in

accordance with a warrant obtained from a Magistrate.

(7) The procedures for arresting or detaining a person under this section must comply with the Criminal

Procedure Code (Cap.7).

55Q Offences relating to law enforcement officers

(1) A person commits an offence if the person:

(a) assaults, obstructs or hinders a law enforcement officer performing his or her function; or

(b) aids or incites another person to assault, obstruct or hinder a law enforcement officer performing his

or her function; or

(c) uses abusive, threatening or insulting language to a law enforcement officer performing his or her

function; or

(d) if required by a law enforcement officer to give or produce information or to answer a question:

(i) gives, produces or provides false information; or

(ii) fails to comply with the requirement to the best of the person’s knowledge, information and belief.

Maximum penalty: 20,000 penalty units or imprisonment for 5 years, or both

(2) A person commits an offence if:

(a) the person is a law enforcement officer; and

(b) the person directly or indirectly asks for or takes an unlawful reward or payment.

Maximum penalty: 50,000 penalty units or imprisonment for 10years, or both

(3) A person commits an offence if the person directly or indirectly offers or gives a law enforcement officer an unlawful reward or payment.

Maximum penalty: 50,000 penalty units or imprisonment for 10 years, or both

Division 4 Detention of persons

55R City Council may detain persons

(1) The City Council:

(a) may detain persons aged 18 years or more arrested by law enforcement officers; and

(b) may establish facilities for detaining those persons; and

(c) has a duty to take care of and protect the persons detained and must fulfil that duty.

(2) The detention of a person under this section must be in accordance with:

(a) the Constitution; and

(b) the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for Treatment of Prisoners (General Assembly

resolution 70/175, adopted 17 December 2015).

(3) The manner of construction of the City Council's detention facilities must be to a standard and in a manner that enables the City Council to comply with subsection (2).

55S City Council procedures for detaining persons

(1) Where the City Council establishes detention facilities, the City Council must:

(a) establish procedures for:

(i) admitting and managing detainees, including their access to visitors and religious observance; and

(ii) maintaining good order and security at the facilities; and

(iii) managing the health and welfare of the persons detained; and

(b) establish and maintain records of detained person's identity and reason for the person's detention, warrants, appearances, sentences and other information about the detention of the person.

Warrant of arrest for man accused of defiling child

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

Principal Magistrate Fatima Taeburi has issued a warrant of arrest for a 43-year-old man charged with sexual intercourse with child under 15, a boy aged seven years old.

The matter mention in magistrate court yesterday, where the state prosecutor Monica Rehamora make an application to the court for a warrant of arrest to be issued, because the accused was present on the previous hearing and he fully aware of the date but did not come to court yesterday.

Court suspended the matter to May 31 for review of warrant of arrest.

Prosecution alleged on 1st of August to 31st of December 2020, the victim who alleged to be a seven- year- old (7) boy was sitting at the veranda of the house at Talise, Central Honiara.

At the time the victim mother was doing her laundry outside of the house.

The accused approached the victim and told him to follow him to the bedroom.

When they entered inside the room, the accused closed and locked the door.

The accused then ordered the victim to take off his trousers and he rape the victim private part (anus).

As the result, the victim felt sharp pain in his private part (anus).

He wanted to shout but the accused threatened him with a knife, saying that he will cut off his neck if he shouted.

The victim was afraid of what the accused had threatened him on so, he just follows what the accused told him to do.

As the result of the incident, the victim’s mother noticed several times facial waste strained on the victim trousers.

Also, victim teacher informed the victim mother to clean up the victim.

The mother asks the victim and that’s when the victim disclosed what the accused did to him to his mother.

On 8th of January this year the victim mother together with the victim reported the matter at Central Police Station.

On 3rd of April 2024 the accused was formally arrested after the investigation conducted and he charged.

Office of Director of Public Prosecution act for the crown and Bobby Harunari act for the accused.

Local entrepreneur urges new government to prioritise compensation for business losses

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PM Jeremiah Manele. Photo supplied.

BY NED GAGAHE

A Honiara based businessman who has been victim of the COVID-19 Pandemic and riot in 2021 has urged the new government of Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele to prioritize addressing and resolve business losses the incidences have subsequently caused to business houses in Honiara.

The businessman who requested not to be named emphasized that after the two incidences, the Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement (DCGA) of former Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare devised paying compensation for loss of the business.

However, the businessman stated that compensation efforts by the DCGA government fell short of adequately addressing the losses suffered by businesses.

This paper understands in 2022, the DCGA government announced a commitment of $200 million for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of buildings and businesses affected by unrest.

Additionally, COVID-19 lockdowns led to an estimated $81 million in revenue loss for the government.

A 2022 technical report by the ADB revealed that the 2021 riot directly impacted 126 businesses, both public and private properties.

Meanwhile, the businessman, in a plea, believes it would be beneficial if the new government acknowledged the contributions of local businesses by fulfilling pending payments to those who are still awaiting them.

Solomon Islands embraces hookin4health

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Hookin4Health introduced at Lunga CHS.Photo supplied.

BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR

THE Hockey Hookin4Health Solomon Islands program continues its weekly visitation to schools in Honiara this month.

Following the introduction of the program at Saint Peter Channel Primary School in West Honiara last month, the Hookin4Health team facilitated the first training session for 50–plus students on Monday last week. Participants include students, teachers, and parents.

The program further expanded to Lunga Community High School and Perch Christian School on Thursday last week.

More than 200 students from both Primary and Secondary in Lunga CHS attended the introduction session, while Perch CS also showed interest with a positive turnout from ages 6 to 18. More than 100 students from Perch CS attended the introductory session.

The final school the team paid a visit to introduce the port last week was Mbua Valley Community High School on Friday and saw more than 500 students from year 7 to 12 turn up to receive the first introductory session.

Besides the school visitation program, the team’s ongoing fortnight’s fun activities for both old and new players continue at the Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS) Multi-Outdoor court.

The team accommodates a good number of new talents fortnightly.

Hook in4 Health is the name of the project that integrates hockey and health outcomes together.

This project was first delivered in 2 countries Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu.

Oceania Hockey Federation (OHF) is the lead hockey partner together with Hockey Australia and Aspire Cairns Hockey and Wan Smolbag. Acknowledgement of our initial partners Family Planning NSW and Flinders University ( Dr Deb Agnew and Dr Kathryn Jackson) who have set the platform and provided valuable research to carry the program into 2023 through to 2025.

Family Planning NSW introduced in country providers to support the training of staff and delivery with resources in associated health fields.

In November 2023, Hook in4 Health was launched in Honiara, Solomon Islands and the process of appointing staff for the positions is currently underway.

This is a great opportunity for the Solomon Islands to build on their successful Pacific Games last year.

This program was made in collaboration with Team Up, an Australian Government program supporting partnerships across the Pacific that use sport to bring people together, champion inclusion and create opportunity.

Team Up is a sport for development program comprising more than 30 partnerships across the Asia- Pacific that are working towards three outcomes:

-Sport programs attract and retain women, girls and people with a disability, as well as men and boys

-Sport organizations are safe, inclusive and accessible

-Australia and Asia-Pacific partners use sport to strengthen relationships and build closer collaboration

Haura FC leads the way in SWPL 2024

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Haura FC.

BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR

WITH three games played by each team in the new women’s football season, Haura FC is currently leading the race by goal difference with a total of 9 points, sitting above defending champions Henderson Eels FC with also 9 points.

Naha FC secured the third spot with 7 points, while Ha’arosia made an improved start on goal difference with 4 points to lead the race from the fourth spot, followed by Koloale FC in fifth, RSIPF Royals FC in sixth and Frigates United FC in seventh.

Geniagu United FC earned a single draw to secure the eighth spot with 1 point, while Marist FC and West Honiara FC are yet to register points following defeats in all three matches.

Meanwhile, the Solrais Women’s Premier League (SWPL) 2024 season will enter Matchweek 4 this weekend at the East End Stadium, with another five games.

The first three fixtures will be played on Saturday, while the final two fixtures will be played on Sunday.

WARRIORS EXITS

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Solomon Warriors John Alick Rewa FC's Tevita Waranaivalu. OFC Men's Champions League 2024, Solomon Warriors v Rewa FC, Stade Paea, Tahiti, Tuesday 14 May 2024. Photo: Shane Wenzlick / www.phototek.nz

.. Heartbreak for Solomon Warriors FC as Oceania Champions League Journey Ends

BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR

TELEKOM Super League (TSL) champions Solomon Warriors Football Club (FC) have exited the Oceania Champions League 2024 in Tahiti after failing to register a win in their second Group A match to keep their hopes alive at the tournament.

The team made an early exit following two defeats in the Group A fixture played at Stade Paea in Tahiti.

The eight-time TSL champions kicked off their campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Papua New Guinea (PNG) Champions, Hekari United FC over the weekend.

Despite the defeat in the first match, hopes for the Franco Ne’e-coached side to continue their journey at the tournament remains only if they beat the Fijian champions, Rewa FC in their second match yesterday.

It looked promising for Solomon Warriors FC as they wasted no time in just 15th minute of play with a goal from Captain Gagame Feni from a good combination with fellow teammate Jaygray Sipakana.

Warriors continue to hold on to the lead confidently with a couple of chances that should have doubled the margin but failed to find the back of the net.

It was never too late for Rewa FC as they regained composure and leveled the scoreboard in the 40th minute with a low effort from Setareki Hughes.

The equalizer was not enough for Rewa FC to keep their heads high, so earning a win was also key.

Just in the dying minutes of the first period, Samu Kautoga broke the deadlock to give his side a come-from-behind 2-1 lead at the break.

The lead gave Rewa FC the confidence to expose their game plan and dominate the second half of the match, by adding another in the 70 minutes from a well-timed run from Josaia Sela and extending the lead to 3-1.

Solomon Warriors FC team captain Gagame Feni pulled one back in the 72 minutes and tried to put the team in the right position, but Rewa FC confidently closed the scoreboard and earned a 3-2 victory at full time.

With four points from their opening two matches, Rewa FC will head on for another crucial final group stage match against Papua New Guinea’s Hekari United later this week, while Solomon Warriors FC exits the tournament with a game in hand.

Solomon Warriors FC will play their farewell match against defending champions Auckland City in their final Group A match this week.

Panatina armed robbery case moved for June 4

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

The case of armed robbery at Panatina Ridge has been suspended for June 4 for finalising of the trial date.

The matter was set for trial on June 17-28 however, yesterday during the interim-mention defence informed the court that she will be taking her annual leave next month.

Therefore, court suspends to June 4. Bail for accused extended.

Samson Damisulia is charged with one count of armed robbery and he pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Vernon Taupongi acts for the Crown and Emy Rusi act for Samson Damisulia.

Local entrepreneur urges new government to prioritise compensation for business losses

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PM Jeremiah Manele. Photo supplied.

BY NED GAGAHE

A Honiara based businessman who has been victim of the COVID-19 Pandemic and riot in 2021 has urged the new government of Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele to prioritize addressing and resolve business losses the incidences have subsequently caused to business houses in Honiara.

The businessman who requested not to be named emphasized that after the two incidences, the Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement (DCGA) of former Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare devised paying compensation for loss of the business.

However, the businessman stated that compensation efforts by the DCGA government fell short of adequately addressing the losses suffered by businesses.

This paper understands in 2022, the DCGA government announced a commitment of $200 million for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of buildings and businesses affected by unrest.

Additionally, COVID-19 lockdowns led to an estimated $81 million in revenue loss for the government.

A 2022 technical report by the ADB revealed that the 2021 riot directly impacted 126 businesses, both public and private properties.

Meanwhile, the businessman, in a plea, believes it would be beneficial if the new government acknowledged the contributions of local businesses by fulfilling pending payments to those who are still awaiting them.

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