BY NED GAGAHE

Minister of Home Affairs Isikeli Tuwai Vave Jnr says he is liaising with the Minister for Police to elevate penalties for sexual offenders in a bid to deter offenders from committing sexual offences.

The Minister’s move came following the alleged raping of a 16-year-old girl at a community in east Honiara on 2 June 2025.

In a statement Minister Vave said as the Minister responsible for the Social Well-being of Solomon Islanders, he condemned such incident in strongest terms.

“As the Minister of Home Affairs, who is responsible for the Social Well-being of Solomon Islanders, I condemn in the strongest terms the extremely cruel alleged raping of a 16-year-old girl.

He said such cruel and brutal behaviour is unacceptable and must be stopped from happening again in our communities and nation.

The Minister said Solomon Islanders must fully engage in building and maintaining healthy relationships and having meaningful, authentic interactions with others.

“The victim is an innocent young girl and a citizen of our country whose life was shuttered and devastated and her entire life will no longer be the same again.

“In addition, feelings of uncertainty, despair, intimidation and fear will continue to haunt the victim for the rest of her life.

“I will be liaising with my colleague minister from the Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services Jimson Tanaganda to elevate the penalties for sexual offences (rape, indecent assault and defilement) contained in the Criminal Procedure Code, Cap 7 of the Revised Laws of Solomon Islands.

“The proposed elevation of the punishments for rape and other sexual offences is to deter offenders from committing sexual offences.” Minister Vave said.

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