Police at Tulagi in Central Province have arrested a 32-year-old man for allegedly assaulting his wife and tying up his 13-year-old elder son at Ha’a village on Big Gela recently.
The suspect was charge for domestic violence under Section 57 subsection 1 of the new Family Protection Act.
Supervising Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Central Province, Inspector John Sara says, “The incident happened recently and was reported to police only on 19 October 2018. Police arrested the suspect on the same date from the care of Crime Prevention Committee Members (CPC) at Ha’a Village.”
Inspector Sara explains: “It is alleged that the incident happened at the family house when the husband came and get hold of their first born son, tied him up with a rope and slapped him twice on his face. Then he turned to his wife and punched her. She became unconscious and fell to the ground. The suspect then escaped for fear of retaliation from his wife’s relatives.”
PPC Sara says, “The suspect was arrested with the assistance of CPC members and detained at the Tulagi Police custody as investigations continue into the incident.”
“This is a very sad incident especially with the father who is supposed to be responsible for his wife and son mistreating them in such a manner. This is not acceptable in any society,” says Inspector Sara.
“I would like to remind our chiefs, church leaders, and members of our communities that beating of women and children is a serious offence. We cannot tolerate such behaviour. The full force of the law will be enforced.”
PPC Sara also thanked members of the CPC at Ha’a Village for assisting to bring the suspect to the police to be arrested and brought to justice.