Police at Tulagi in the Central Province have arrested and charged a 27-year-old man for alleged assault causing bodily harm following an incident which occurred at Soka Village, Sand-fly on the evening of 10 September 2018.
It is alleged that the 27-year-old suspect and his brothers were consuming alcohol at their home at Vatutaria Village not far from Soka Village when the suspect disappeared. His brothers thought that he left for Soka Village so they shouted after him to return.
When the other party from Soka Village heard the shout they thought that they shouted at them. The group from Soka Village came and argued with the group from Vaturia Village during which the suspect allegedly used a bush knife to cut a 12-year-old boy who sustained a minor injury to his left upper shoulder.
The matter was reported to police and the suspect was apprehended on 11 September 2018. The suspect is released on $500.00 bail to appear at the Tulagi Magistrates Court on 22 October 2018.
Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Central Province, Superintendent Patricia Leta says, “I appeal to all the good people of Central Province not to take the law into your own hands.”
PPC Leta adds: “There are many ways to resolve problems in a more peaceful and meaningful way that will always unite us together. Consult your chiefs or village elders to resolve those issues rather than resorting to violence,”
The maximum penalty if found guilty of the charge of assault causing bodily harm is five years imprisonment.