Police are investigating reports that a preacher of foreign nationality has been sexually assaulting young girls in Honiara under pretexts of spiritual healing.
"This is very difficult for those involved but we are asking victims to come forward with their stories," said a police spokesperson.While police has refused to name the suspect and his nationality, he has since been identified as a man from Papua New Guinea.
Deputy Police Commissioner Nela Mosese told a media conference that they have received seven reports of sexual assaults so far from girls between the ages of eleven and nineteen.
"This is a serious breach of trust, we believe there are more and we appeal for them, their parents or guardian to come forward."
Police have revealed that the alleged assaults took place over a period of two months early this year. Police started investigations after a tip off from a mother of one the alleged victims.