POLICE on Tuesday confirmed receiving numerous reports of prostitution in Honiara.
But they say unless witnesses are available and sufficient evidences provided, it would be difficult to prosecute.
The Police Media Unit made the clarification following numerous reports of local girls being involved in prostitution (having sex in exchange for money) here in Honiara.
Reports reaching this paper claimed that many girls have over the years been involved in “silent prostitution” not only in the country’s capital but also throughout the provinces.
This was explained by a fisherman who wished not to be named.
“Many are involved in prostitution, or selling themselves for money or goods,” the fisherman said.
“Some go to the ships berthing outside Honiara, whilst others sell themselves to prominent businessmen in exchange for money.
“All of these are done under the nose of Police and Honiara City Council Officers without them knowing.
“The most evident or well-known pickup spots for those involved is at the Honiara Central Market, however they are not arrested at all,” the fisherman, who claimed to have been paid on several occasions to transport girls to foreign fishing vessels outside Honiara harbour, said.
“This industry is continuing, especially when our harbour is filled with foreign fishing vessels.
“Many of these women or girls go out just to have sex for money or for fish, something that is totally inappropriate or unacceptable,” he said.
A spokesman from the Police Media Unit however explained that such cases would require sufficient evidences before one can be charged.
He added that things such as establishing a pimp (a man who controls prostitutes and arranges clients for them, taking a percentage of their earnings in return) involved, or establishing the two different parties, and also the reliability of witnesses to these offenses.
“We must establish that those involved did arrange and receive money in exchange for sex before we can charge them,” he said.
He said that unless these are done, the police cannot do much.
By JEREMY INIFIRI
