A fifty-six year old man has been arrested at the Henderson market area, east Honiara for an attempted rape on a seven year old girl on Tuesday evening.
The alleged incident occurred between 7-8pm on Tuesday 15th July.
Police said the suspect has been arrested and now is remanded in police custody awaiting his court appearance.
Acting Assistant Commissioner National Capital said the suspect was arrested after members of the community reported the incident to Guadalcanal police.
“This is the kind of act that is really unacceptable within our society and communities. Such act will only create disharmony and conflict between cultures and families. This must be stopped. This kind of crime is very serious and is totally against our cultural practices and believes,” Gabriel Manelusi said.
He appealed to the public to work in partnership with police to educate our people about the seriousness of such evil act and the consequences it will bring to the family and community.
Manelusi said it is high time the community learn from these incidences and fight to stop such inhuman act.
“Respect for each other is the most important aspect of our cultures and why can’t this be practiced and maintained within our communities?” Manelusi questioned.
He added such act will tarnish the victim’s entire life and people who have such evil mind to hurt innocent young lives should think twice because there is no place within the society that entertains this.
He also calls on society to destroy the culture of silence and come out to report incidence like this.
“The culture of silence is a barrier in our cultures and we need the break this up. We need to grow up and report criminal cases to help create a safe and peaceful environment for everyone where people leave and respect each other,” Manelusi added.
Meanwhile he thanked the community for reporting the case and call on the general public to be careful and take precaution not to repeat such act because it is destroying not only the individual but the family and entire community.
Guadalcanal Police said investigations into the incident is continuing and call for public support.
BY DANIEL NAMOSUAIA
