Police arrest a 15-year-old male suspect for stealing money belongs to a women’s group in Malaita Province

Police in Auki have arrested a 15-year-old male suspect for stealing $5,000 cash belonging to Bethel Women’s Group in Malaita province.

The suspect was arrested at Koa village in West Kwaraáe on 6 November 2024 after the matter was reported to Auki police.

Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Malaita Province, Chief Superintendent, Tex Tafoa, said the money has been kept in a safe box with the suspect’s mother at home as she is a member of the group.

PPC Tafoa said it was alleged that the suspects have access to the key to the safe box. It was further alleged that the suspect stole money on several occasions when her mother was away from home.

Chief Superintendent Tafoa said the mother noticed that the amount of money kept was missing between 31 October and 5 November 2024 and reported the matter for investigation.

Mr. Tafoa said the suspect was arrested, and police prepared court documents for his appearance before the Auki Magistrates’ Court on November 14, 2024.

“It is good for such a sum of money to be kept safe in a bank account. To avoid such happenings in the future, a bank account needs to be open to keep the money safe or look at other alternatives to keep money safe,” said PPC Tafoa.