Solomon Islands Police arrest 53-year-old man following assault

Officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) in Makira-Ulawa Province have arrested a 53-year-old man following complaints of assault and intimidation early this month.

Provincial Police Commander (PPC) of Makira-Ulawa Province, Superintendent Peter Sitai says, “My officers arrested the man on 6 July 2019 following two complaints, which have been filed by a foreigner working for a logging company for alleged assault and a 35-year-old local man for alleged intimidation.”

“The incident of assault is believed to have happened at Bauro Village not far from Kirakira town on 5 July 2019, and the other incident of intimidation is believed to have happened at Bauro Village also on 6 July 2019,” PPC Sitai explains.

He adds: “So far our initial investigation reveals the 53-year-old man has been allegedly under the influence of alcohol during both incidents, while it is further alleged the triggering cause of these two incidents is a logging related disagreement.”

The elderly man is facing two separate charges for common assault pursuant to section 244 of the Penal Code, which carries a  maximum  penalty of one year imprisonment if found guilty by the court. And another charge for intimidation pursuant to section 231 (1) of the same Code, which carries a maximum penalty of three years imprisonment if found guilty.The man has been released on bail to appear before the Eastern Magistrates Court, at Kirakira on 23 July 2019.

PPC Sitai appeals to the good people in Makira-Ulawa Province not to take the law into their own hands as issues have avenues to sort them out peacefully. And he calls on responsible leaders like the village chiefs, elders, the church leaders and other various leaders of different settings to help the police to prevent crime in our communities for a peaceful Makira-Ulawa Province.

The general public in and around Kirakira town are encouraged to come forward with information and help police with this investigation.