Police investigates suspicious death of a 2-year-old child in Western Province
Officers of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) at Kulitanai Police Station in Western Province are investigating a suspicious death of a 2-year-old child who they believe to have fallen on a ship berthing Nila wharf in Shortland Island on 14 September 2021.
The incident had occurred while the deceased and his adopted mother were on board a ship. Prior to the incident, the child was seen sleeping on a sitting bench at the back of the ship with his adopted mother. The child was realized missing during that time and search began.
Police Commissioner Mostyn Mangau says, “The matter was reported to police and a search party including a Forensic officer deployed to search for the missing child.”
Commissioner Mangau says, “The child was later found at the Nila wharf area by members of the community and was transported to Nila clinic for medical examination.”
Commissioner Mangau says, “During general observation by medical officers at the Nila clinic, the body was seen very fresh, few abrasions found on the right ear, body pale and wrinkle on hands and legs.”
Mr. Mangau says, “No post mortem was conducted on the deceased body as the parent and relatives wish to bury him seeing the body started to decay but it is subject to look at exhumation base on court order to find more evidence.”
He says, “Our condolences to the family and relatives of the deceased for the loss of their loved ones.”
Commissioner Mangau says, “Police yet to ascertain the possible causes of the death while investigation into the matter will continue. I appeal to those who may have any information to assist police with the investigation.”
-RSIPF Press