A 17-year-old male person arrested for raping a 6-year-old girl in north Malaita

Malu’u Police have arrested a 17-year-old male person for raping a 6-year-old girl at a village on the Manaoba Island in North Malaita on 13 May 2025.

Provincial Police Commander (PPC) of Malaita Province, Chief Superintendent Tex Tafoa, said the actual rape incident occurred on 9 May 2025.

PPC Tafoa said currently the suspect has been remanded at Auki Correctional Facility and will appear in Auki Magistrates’ Court on a later date.

Chief Superintendent Tafoa said the suspects have been charged with rape contrary to section 136F of the Sexual Offences Act, amended 2016.

“Such incidents are serious and inappropriate for very young ages to experience because they have a long-term impact on their lives. Appeal to the community of where the incident has taken place to stay calm during the investigation and let the law take its course,” said PPC Tafoa.

Mr. Tafoa calls on all parents: it is your so-called duty to teach your children what is good and what is bad. Seeing children involved in such behavior is not good for our communities.

“Parents, take good care of your children, especially the weak and vulnerable ones who cannot stand up for themselves, because they are the ones who can easily be mistreated. Ensure your children are safe,” said the provincial police chief.

Community leaders, teachers, parents, and church elders must work together with police to stop such sad incidents from happening in our communities.