The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) is investigating the death of a 12-year-old girl following an alleged rape incident on Tikopia Island in the Temotu Province on 4 October 2018.
“We are working very closely with the family of the suspect who allegedly raped the 12-year-old girl at Namo Village on Tikopia,” says Assistant Commissioner, Provincial Joseph Manelugu.
AC Manelugu adds: “The alleged rape incident happened during a community function on Thursday evening resulting in the death of the young girl. It is believed the incident occurred in a nearby bush near the seaside. The body was found floating in the nearby Lake Teroto.”
“The suspect is currently in the custody of the Village Chief and the community is waiting for police to formally arrest him. Arrangements are underway to send police officers from Honiara to assist officers in the Temotu Province investigate the matter,” says AC Manelugu.
“I call on both parties who are involved in this sad incident to refrain from taking the law in to their own hands but allow police to investigate the matter.”
“On behalf of the police, I wish to extend our condolences and sympathy to the family and relatives of the deceased for the untimely loss of their young daughter,” says AC Manelugu.