The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions has released its November statistics, highlighting a worrying increase in serious crimes, particularly focusing on arson. The report details a range of offences, including murder, aggravated robbery, burglary, theft, assault, and criminal intimidation, illustrating the persistent issues surrounding community safety.
In November, a total of 19 indictments were presented to the High Court, encompassing 31 counts of non-sexual crimes. Among these, six charges specifically pertained to arson. A notable case involved a 35-year-old man accused of setting fire to the homes of two women, aged 65 and 42, following a disagreement. In another alarming instance, a 45-year-old man was alleged to have torched the belongings of both a 15-year-old and a 35-year-old.
Additionally, two individuals aged 27 and 18 are facing serious allegations, including arson, aggravated burglary, and theft after breaking into Lakeba Post Office. They stole cash and other items before allegedly setting fire to the premises. Another case listed a 22-year-old man facing dual counts of arson, although these proceedings were halted due to a lack of evidence.
The report further notes murder charges against a 32-year-old man accused of killing his 52-year-old partner, and a 44-year-old former corrections officer charged with the murder of a 38-year-old partner. Assault incidents were also prominent, with a 31-year-old man facing charges for injuring a 19-year-old woman, and a 27-year-old man alleged to have caused serious harm to his 18-year-old partner using a piece of wood.
The findings also report incidents of aggravated robbery, burglary, and theft, including a specific case where a 74-year-old man was charged with criminal intimidation for allegedly threatening his daughter-in-law with a cane knife. Reports of robbery and burglary indicate that cash and valuables have been taken from homes, shops, and public spaces.
These statistics highlight urgent public safety concerns, with the ODPP noting that two cases were suspended due to insufficient evidence or the unavailability of witnesses. Despite this troubling landscape, communities are encouraged to remain resilient, proactive, and engaged in fostering safety and support for one another.