Police arrest a 45-year-old male suspect for allegedly raping a 13-year-old girl in Western Province

Officers of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) at Gizo Police Station have arrested a 45-year-old male suspect for allegedly raping a 13-year-old girl at a school close to Munda in Western Province on 16 February 2023.

Assistant Commissioner (AC) Crime and Intelligence says, “According to the initial report the suspect was allegedly rape the victim in his house in October 2022.”

AC Leta says, “The suspect went to the victim’s room while she was asleep and started to touch her body. The victim woke up and tried to scream but she was unable to since the suspect closed her mouth and threatened to kill her.”

The suspect was arrested by Gizo Police and was formally dealt with and currently remanded at Gizo Correctional Centre to appear before court on 3 March 2023.

The suspect has been charged for two counts of sexual intercourse for a child under 15 years old Contrary to Section 139(1) of the Penal Code, Cap 26 as amended by the Penal Code (Amendment) (Sexual Offences) Act 2016.

Ms. Leta says, “I am appealing to all parents to take extra care of our little children. Such incidents are unacceptable in our communities. Let us be responsible for our children. It is a sad story. This incident will affect the little girl for the rest of her life.”