Auki police have arrested and charged a 25-year-old man over a recent assault at Kwaibala community in Malaita Province, according to a Royal Solomon Islands Police Force statement published on the Solomon Islands Government portal on 15 September.
Police allege the suspect, described in the statement as a "drunkard", approached the victim as he walked along the road and assaulted him, leaving him with facial injuries. The motive is unclear and remains under investigation, the statement said.
Malaita Provincial Police Commander Superintendent Michael Ramosaea said the upper part of the victim's nose was seriously injured and that he was taken to Kilufii Hospital for treatment. The victim was stable and had recovered, he said.
The suspect was arrested by responding officers the same day and held in police custody, Superintendent Ramosaea said. He said the man had been charged with unlawful wounding under section 229 of the Penal Code (chapter 26) and remanded at Auki Correctional Centre for a court appearance at a later date.
"This is a very serious offence that highlights the destructive impact of alcohol abuse in our communities," Superintendent Ramosaea said, adding that police would not tolerate such violent behaviour.
He urged Kwaibala residents to keep the peace and let the legal process take its course. "Do not take the law into your hands or seek retaliation," he said.
He also called on community elders and youth leaders to join forces in curbing excessive alcohol consumption, the statement said. Auki police asked anyone with information about the incident to contact Auki Police Station on 40132 or the free toll line 999.
Source: Source: Royal Solomon Islands Police Force statement published on the Solomon Islands Government portal (solomons.gov.sb) on 15 September 2026. https://solomons.gov.sb/police-arrested-and-charged-a-25-year-old-male-suspect-for-assaulting-a-victim-in-malaita-province/