A 16-year-old girl accused of falsely telling her mother that she was kidnapped by unknown men, sparking fear in Honiara’s communities in October, is expected to enter her plea on Monday December 23.
The juvenile, whose identity is suppressed, is facing one count of spreading false rumours.
She appeared for a closed hearing in the Honiara Magistrate’s Court on Friday, where her case was adjourned to this week for her plea.
The prosecution and the defence have yet to settle on the agreed facts, prompting both sides to request an adjournment to finalise this matter.
Magistrate Emily Zazariko Vagibule Pakoa granted additional time, setting the plea hearing for Monday this week.
She also advised both parties to make every effort for the juvenile to enter her plea and for sentencing submissions to be made, aiming to complete the case on the same day.
The prosecution alleges that on 24 October 2024, the defendant fabricated a story, telling her mother via mobile phone that she had been kidnapped by unknown men, causing public alarm.
Earlier that day, the defendant had visited town to address an issue with her new phone.
At the time, there were rumours circulating about men allegedly kidnapping people for organ harvesting.
Concerned for her daughter’s safety, the mother frequently checked in with her by phone.
Later that afternoon, the defendant allegedly called her mother, claiming she had been forcibly abducted by unknown men between the Kobito and Kwaio Valley areas, East Honiara.
She also said, her mobile phone had been confiscated by the kidnappers.
Distraught and fearful, the mother shared the news with their local community, which sparked panic.
She subsequently reported the incident to Naha police, prompting an investigation.
During the investigation, the defendant’s friends revealed that she had been out drinking with them and had lied to her mother about the kidnapping.
Residents of the defendant’s community also told police that they were fearful after hearing the false kidnapping report.
The juvenile is represented by defence counsel Kevin Maelanga from the Public Solicitor’s Office, while Police Prosecutor Florence Hiroshachi is appearing for the Crown.
By Assumpta Buchanan
Solomon Star, Honiara
