Officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) at Taro, Choiseul Province have arrested a 34-year-old male person on allegations of arson and other related allegations at Molevanga Village, South Choiseul, Choiseul Province on 24 March 2019.

The suspect had been threatening and intimidating community members from his village and other nearby villages for quite a while on different days and occasions. He has been armed with a bush knife and bow and arrows and going around threatening villagers and others.

Villagers reported the incidences to police but ever since he had evaded attempts by the police to arrest him.

Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Choiseul Province, Superintendent Vincent Eria says, “On 22 March Police officers from Taro went over to Molevanga Village and with the help of the community members apprehended the suspect but he armed himself with a bush knife and escaped again leaving two Police officers injured.”

“On 24 March 2019 the suspect was finally apprehended by police and was taken to Taro Police station where he was formally arrested and is now in Police custody,” says PPC Eria.

He adds: “Investigation into these allegations is continuing and I appeal to community members to assist Police with this matter.”

Meanwhile Chief Lemeus Manavakana of Molevanga Village says, “I would like to convey my sincere gratitude on behalf of my people to the PPC and his officers including a team from the Police Response Team (PRT) for arresting the accused and for a job well done.”

“This is a great task that you have been able to accomplish for the people of my community and the surrounding villages,” says Chief Manavakana.

“I am grateful to say that my people are now living without fear and are free to move around and do their work including children going to school.”

PPC Eria says, “I would like to thank the community in Molevanga and surrounding villages for working together with the Police on this matter leading up to the arrest of the accused. Let us continue to join hands and work together in making our communities more peaceful and safe for us to live in.”

 

Source: Royal Solomon Islands Police