RSIPF arrests juvenile for allegation of rape in Malaita Province

Officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) at the Malu’u Police Station in Malaita Province have arrested a 15-year-old male suspect for the alleged rape of a 5-year -old girl at Ferafa’alu Village on 21 March 2021.

An initial report says the suspect sexually assaulted the victim in a kitchen at their village when she went to collect fire. The victim later experienced vomiting and pain to her private part. Her parents took her to the Malu’u Hospital and a medical practitioner confirmed penetration.

Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Malaita Province Chief Superintendent Stanley Riolo says, “The victim’s parents reported the matter at the Malu’u Police Station and the investigation was carried out.”

“The suspect escaped after the incident but was later arrested by officers at Malu’u Police Station yesterday (23 March 2021).”

PPC Riolo says, “The suspect will be transported to Auki Police Station for further dealings and a remand application.”

He adds; “I call on relatives of the victim to refrain from any retaliation regarding the matter but allow police to investigate it. I also call on the good people of Ferafa’alu Village who may have any information about the incident to come forward and report it to police at the Malu’u Police Station.”