RSIPF arrests and charges female student for alleged infanticide in Western Province

Officers of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) at the Gizo Police Station in Western Province have arrested and charged an 18-year-old Form 4 female student at Eleoteve Community High School on Vella la Vella Island in Western Province on 17 June 2020.

Initial reports say the accused gave birth to a baby in the School’s girls’ ablution block on 17 June 2020. The female baby, weighing 2.6 kilograms, later died after birth when the mother allegedly suffocated her by putting dirt into her mouth and all over the body.

Provincial Police Commander Western Province Chief Superintendent Mathias Lenialu says, “Upon receiving the report, police officers at Gizo with the assistance of health officers from Gizo hospital attended the report and brought the suspect to Gizo Police station.”

The female accused was formally arrested and placed in police custody. She was later released and dealt with and charged for the offence of infanticide contrary to section 206 of the Penal Code.

The accused was released on bail to appear in the Gizo Magistrates’ Court on 6 July 2020

“I appeal to our young girls who may be experiencing issues such as teenage pregnancy to approach someone you trust in your community so they can help you get through the problem. I also call on schools and churches to continue to talk to our young people about the challenges they face as they are growing up and how they should be able to manage the challenges. Getting rid of an innocent baby is not only a tragic act but it is also illegal,” says PPC Lenialu