OFFICERS of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Sexual Assault Team have arrested and charged a 16-year-old male for rape following an incident which happened at Komabulu Village on West Guadalcanal in November 2017.
Officer-Incharge of the Sexual Assault Team at the Rove Police Headquarters in Honiara Sergeant Rose Nala explains: “It is alleged that on a date in November 2017, a 13-year-old girl went home after school. At home, she was advised by her father to go after her mother who had gone fishing at the sea side of Komabulu village, West Guadalcanal.
Along the way, the victim met up with the suspect who grabbed her to a nearby bush and allegedly raped her
“The case was only reported to the Sexual Assault Team in June 2018 after the victim’s mother discovered her 13-year-old girl was pregnant. Our team then started the Investigation into the matter until yesterday (20 November 2018) when the suspect was arrested in the Kohimarama area on West Guadalcanal. The suspect has been charged for one count of rape,” says Sergeant Nala.
A remand application is being prepared for the suspect to be remanded while investigations into the matter continue.
“I wish to thank members of the public and members of my team for their cooperation and assistance leading to the successful arrest of the suspect,” says Sergeant Nala.
Assistant Commissioner of Police, National Operation, Mostyn Mangau says, “Sexual offences in the country are unfortunately increasing. I want to urge all community leaders, chiefs, women and church leaders, and parents to make sure our women and girls are protected at all times. We must work together to make sure that our country is safe so our women and girls can move freely without being harassed.”
Members of the public are encouraged to report any sexual offences by calling the RSIPF toll free line 999 or Seif Ples on the free toll line 132
–RSIPF MEDIA
