Police arrested and charged a 25-year-old male suspect for assaulting a victim in Malaita Province

Auki police have arrested and charged a 25-year-old male suspect for assaulting a victim at Kwaibala community recently.

It was alleged that the drunkard suspect approached the victim while he was walking along the road and assaulted him.

As a result of the assault, the victim sustained facial injuries. The motive behind the assault is still unclear and under police investigation.

Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Malaita Province, Superintendent Michael Ramosaea, said the victim sustained serious injuries to the upper part of his nose.

PPC Ramosaea said the victim was assisted to Kilufii Hospital for further medical treatment. The victim is stable and recovered from the assault incident.

Superintendent Ramosaea said the suspect was arrested on the same day by the responding officers and placed into police custody and dealt with.

Mr Ramosaea said the suspect has been charged with unlawful wounding, contrary to section 229 of the penal code (Cap 26), and remanded at the Auki Correctional Centre for his court appearance on a later date.

"This is a very serious offence that highlights the destructive impact of alcohol abuse in our communities. Police will not tolerate such violent behaviour in our communities, said PPC Ramosaea.

He said, “I strongly urge the residents of Kwaibala to maintain the peace and allow the legal process to take its course. Do not take the law into your hands or seek retaliation.

“I appeal to community elders and youth leaders to work together to curb excessive alcohol consumption and ensure public safety. Let us support each other and maintain the safety of our neighbourhoods.”

Auki police appeal to anyone with information regarding the incident to contact the Auki Police Station on phone 40132 or the police free toll line 999.