RSIPF continues to investigate alleged rape of sisters by their father in Honiara

Officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) are continuing to investigate the alleged rape of two juveniles in Honiara with the adult male suspect being further remanded in custody.

Acting Director of the RSIPF National Criminal Investigation Department (NCID), Inspector Michael Bole says, “Our investigation into the alleged rape of the two juveniles by their biological father in Honiara is continuing.”

He explains: “The two teenage juveniles, are still held under the protection of the police since the suspect was arrested on 30 April 2019. The allegations dated back to 2014 with the most recent incident alleged to have taken place in April 2019.”

Inspector Bole adds: “On 20 May the 39-year-old suspect was further remanded by the Honiara Central Magistrate Court to appear on 4 June 2019.”

“The man is currently facing five counts of rape contrary to section 136F of the Penal Code (Amendment) (Sexual Offences) Act 2016,” says Inspector Bole.

“This is a very sad case given the victims are young and very vulnerable and the suspect is a person of trust, their own father. RSIPF encourages victims or relatives of victims of such sad cases to trust and have confidence in the police and report such matters in a timely manner. We cannot allow such people who allow themselves to capitalize on their positions of trust to ruin the future generation of this country. The response has involved a lot of work that requires victims to build trust and confidence in reporting family violence and sexual assault matters to police.”

“I am thankful to our stakeholder partners from Seif Ples and Family Support Centre – for offering counselling and welfare support for the victims, that enable them to give their full accounts to police after being traumatized,” says Inspector Bole.

The offence of rape is very serious and carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

RSIPF encourages victims to report crime to police. Victims of sexual assault may also seek assistance from health clinics such as Seif Ples. In the unfortunate circumstances of children feeling unable to be report such matters to their parents, they should consider speaking to a trusted teacher or person from their school or church.