A 25-year-old male suspect was arrested on Wednesday 6 November 2024 for raping a 14-year-old girl at a logging camp in North West Choiseul.

Taro Police carried out the arrest.

Police Commissioner Mostyn Mangau said, it was alleged that the suspect raped the victim on different occasions in different locations.

Commissioner Mangau said, “this rape incident is sad; the victim of this rape incident is a student who was residing with her parents at the logging camp when the incident happened.”

Mr. Mangau said the suspect has been interviewed for the alleged offence and charged with one count of persistent sexual abuse of a child, contrary to Section 142(2) of the Penal Code Amendment Sexual Offence Act 2016.

The suspect is currently remanded at the Gizo Correctional Centre and will appear before the Gizo Magistrates’ Court on a later date while the investigation on the matter is continuing, said Commissioner Mangau.

The police chief said sexual offences associated with child abuse are increasing, and I am urging parents and guidance to be more cautious in looking after their children to avoid such offences from happening in our communities.