POLICE in the Western province have arrested two suspects on March 29, 2018 for alleged armed robbery during an incident at Malohuna Logging Camp, at Harapa in the Shortland Islands.
It is alleged that on March 25, 2018, around ten men, believed to be from Bougainville as well as two Solomon Islanders, allegedly armed with firearms, robbed the Camp Manager of One Link Logging Company and removed cash of around $8,000 as well as goods in the company’s canteen, three chainsaws, a mobile phone, torches and clothes as well other valuable items.
It is alleged the men fired several gun shots in the air before leaving the company site.
Provincial Police Commander (PPC), Western Province, Chief Superintendent Mathias Lenialu, says, “The successful arrest of the two alleged robbers was possible in a joint police operation comprising of the Police Response Team (PRT), police from Western and Choiseul Provinces as well police investigators from Honiara and officers of Police Maritime.
“The two men are facing one count each of robbery and appeared in court on 31 March 2018 and ordered to be remanded in the Gizo Prison, Correctional Service Solomon Islands (CSSI) Centre.
The two arrested suspects believed to be in their 40s and 20, are Solomon Islanders.
The investigation into the matter is continuing as other alleged robbers are still at large.
“I want to appeal to the chiefs, church leaders, village elders, women groups and members of the communities in the Shortlands Islands to come out and work together with the police as the investigation continues into this case,” says Lenialu.
“I want to thank members of the community for helping police with information so far and further appeal for more information from communities to assist police as there are other suspects still at large and are a threat to the communities in Shortlands and as well as those in Choiseul Province and the rest of Western Province.
“People with information can get in touch with police at the Kulutanai Police Station or call police at the Gizo Police Station on phone 60999.”
The two men will re- appear in the Gizo Magistrates Court after 14 days.
–POLICE MEDIA
