POLICE is being condemned for having seemingly failed to tackle a case involving an adult man and an underage 12-year-old girl.

Complainants reported the incident last year when the man, a taxi driver, was caught having an affair with the underage girl.

The girl’s father took his grievances to the media after having waited four months with no positive response from the police.

“I keep on waiting for the police to consult me or let me know on the status of the investigation, but nothing notified until then.

“I don’t know what is going on with the case by now, or even not letting me on the investigation but the perpetrator should be arrested during the course of the investigation.

“I’m saying this because since the incident happened and I reported the case to the police, I continue to see the perpetrator rooming around freely.

“So it seems to me nothing happen on the case. And it made me asking whether the abuse of the child is lawful or unlawful?” he asked.

He furthers that from the police’s lack of response to the case, the taxi driver has “grown bold and is continuing with the affair with my child”.

“I’m not protected in anything else and my only hope of protection on the case is for the police to intercept on the issue so that law can look at it.

“Not only that, but for the issue to expand into anything more serious is what I’m also fearing.

“Because I think when the issue is small, it’s better for the law to intercept and keep it bay rather than when the issue might grow bigger,” he said.

The father called upon the police especially those at Rove Police Station where the case was reported to investigate the issue and see that the perpetrator faces the law.

Meanwhile, in response to the criticism, the deputy police commissioner replied bluntly to questions that the case is still under investigation.

Ms Matanga said the case is a very sensitive one thus she will not dwell on it as investigations are ongoing.

She instead advises the girl’s parents to come forward and assist the police with their investigations.

It is understood that under article 34 (Sexual exploitation) on the “Convention on the Rights of the Child”, children are to be protected from all “forms of sexual exploitation and abuse, sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography”.

According to law, a 12-year-old boy or girl is categorised as a child.

Solomon Islands ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and is obliged to advocate and enforce its stipulations.

Also, the Family Protection Act advocates against the abuse of the rights of underage children in whatever form.