Police arrest a 38-year-old male suspect for assaulting a 17-year-old girl in Malaita Province

Auki police have arrested and charged a 38-year-old male suspect after he assaulted a 17-year-old girl in the Kilufii area on 29 October 2024.

Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Malaita Province Chief Superintendent Tex Tafoa said the suspect allegedly assaulted the young girl early this year because he believes she was involved by influencing his niece to go out during night-time.”

PPC Tafoa said during the assault the victim sustained injuries to her face, and she felt unconscious on the ground and later rushed to Kilufii Hospital for medical treatment.

Chief Superintendent Tafoa said the sad incident caused trauma to the young girl, which disturbed her school.
Mr. Tafoa said after the incident, the suspect escaped and hid from police. Later, police arrested him at his home village when he returned from Honiara.

The suspect has been charged with assault causing actual bodily harm contrary to Section 245 of the penal code and released on bail to appear before Auki Magistrates’ Court on a later date.

“Such attacks on our young girls can really affect their mental health, and I strongly emphasize that police will not tolerate such behaviours in our communities. Therefore, police and communities must work together and report any serious crime committed in our communities,” PPC Tafoa said.