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Guale demands order

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Premier Sade wants mechanisms to govern Mamara city

By EDDIE OSIFELO

GUADALCANAL Premier, Francis Mbelande Sade wants to see mechanisms in place and enforced over the new Mamara City on North West Guadalcanal.

He said this is to guide the multi-million-dollar project which can pose potential economic, social, environmental and cultural impacts.

Speaking at the official launch of the project yesterday, Premier Sade said first, the potential environmental impact on the Mamara-Tasivarongo area.

“I am aware that an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was carried out.

“It is vital that the developer and the national government ensure that the issues highlighted in the EIA are addressed. We have seen the negative environmental impacts that Honiara has produced and do not want to see it repeated here,” he said.

Secondly, Premier Sade said the national government and the Developer must ensure there is a Social Impact Assessment (SIA) study to ensure they reduce the potential negative social impacts this development could have on this part of the island in particular, and the province more generally.

“Such a study should include culturally appropriate protocols for engaging with Guadalcanal people and a respect for the values inherent in those cultures.

“This means that, regardless of the legal status of the land on which the ‘Mamara New Capital City’ is, the communities, elders and knowledge leaders in the surrounding areas must be, not only consulted, but meaningfully included,” he said.

“Such an involvement could, for example, include the establishment of a Community Citizens Forum for the ‘Mamara New Capital City’ that is co-chaired by a community leader and the developer, and includes the Guadalcanal Provincial Government and national government,” he added.

Premier Sade said third, the national government and the Metropolis Pacific Pty Ltd must consult and include the Guadalcanal Provincial Government in the decision-making processes and in ensuring fair and equitable benefits from this project.

He said there is a need to include the Guadalcanal Provincial Planning and Development Board in discussions and decision-making processes.

“In order to solve this, Guadalcanal Province must not be NOT hindered by clause 12 of the Agreement signed between the SIG and the Developer regarding the imposition of property rates over the Mamara-Tasivarongo-Mavo Development area.

“Furthermore, Guadalcanal Province must benefit from rental payments as provided for under Clause 12 of the Mamara-Tasivarongo-Mavo Development Agreement Act 1997,” he said.

Premier Sade said fourth, the Mamara-Tasivarongo-Mavo Development Council must be inclusive as much as possible.

It should include the following:

  1. The Member of Parliament for North-West Guadalcanal constituency;
  2. A representative of the Guadalcanal Provincial Government; and,
  3. A representative of the surrounding communities.

Premier Sade said fifth, last year, prior to the re-settlement of the Guadalcanal people who once lived in this area, “I’ve raised a concern about the need to ensure that this development creates employment opportunities for Guadalcanal people in the surrounding areas.”

He said this is not only about creating economic opportunities, but also a social safety net in which the people in these areas feel part of the development and that the government is listening to their needs.

Moreover, Premier Sade said this is the right time for the national government to implement the re-integration of ex-combatants in the area.

“Creating and securing jobs for our men who have been affected by the conflict,” he said.

Premier Sade said sixth, there is a need to ensure that any foreshore developments such as wharves and jetties must recognize customary rights.

“Consequently, before any foreshore development occurs, the Solomon Islands Government and Developer must first consult customary landowners and follow due processes as stipulated by the Lands and Titles Act and other relevant statutes.

“The issues that I have highlighted must not be taken as a negative response to this magnificent development. Rather, they are comments meant to ensure that such developments benefit our people,” he said.

Premier Sade said it is important that “our people are central to, rather than at the economic and social margins of urban centres.

“An inclusive, environmentally clean, and economically affordable city, is a peaceful and beautiful city,” he added.

Court releases man due to delay

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

HIGH Court judge Justice Maelyn Bird has sentenced a man for two years but released him at the rising of the court due to substantial delay in the prosecution of the case.

This is in regards to a case that was recently sentenced in Auki during the High Court circuit last week.

Ms Bird said she has noted that there is a period of more than ‘five years delay in the case.

“I have noted with concern the substantial delay in the prosecution of your case.

“The offending occurred on the 24th December 2015, you were committed, to this court on the 8th October 2018. A request to file- information by the high court to the office of the DPP was made on the 5th November 2018.

“The initial information was not filed by the Office of DPP until the 4th March 2019, I have also taken into account that you were remanded in custody for a period of 7 months and 28 days”, Ms Bird said.

She therefore said that after convicting the accused of one count of grievous harm a sentence of two years was imposed.

 “But due to the reasons of delay, the court further ordered for the release of the accused at the rising of the court.

This is the case of 35-year-old Brian Iro Elesia of Orukalia village North Malaita, who was accused of assaulting a 46-year-old man on December 24 2015.

The accused was initially charged with attempted murder, but that charge was amended to grievous harm and the accused entered a guilty plea.

The victim was 46 years old at the time of the incident and is a teacher by profession.

On December 23 2015, the victim left his home at Basakanä Island and went to Auki to do banking as he was a primary school teacher at the Basäkana Primary School.

On December 24 2015, the victim returned from Auki via a 3-ton truck owned by someone from Mbitaama, at that time there were also some passengers in the truck

As they were travelling all of the passengers dropped off and he was the only passenger left in the vehicle.

When they reached Orukalia, the accused stopped the truck and talked to the driver and asked to go to Maluü. At that time, it was around 7 to 7:30pm and it was already dark, the accused then jumped into the truck and they continued their journey.

When they reached Fulifoea, the place where the people of Basakana usually dropped to get across by canoe, both the victim and the defendant dropped. The truck also turned back when they were dropped off.

The defendant helped the victim to unload his belongings from the vehicle and then he asked the victim for a match to light his smoke. The victim gave him his matches and only one handle was in the box; the defendant lit his smoke using that last handle.

The victim then started to argue with the defendant about that matches. The victim then punched the defendant. After that punch, the defendant held a piece of timber from the ground and hit the victim’s head and chest with it and then he left. The victim was unconscious as a result of the assault. The victim’s Wife and children came and assisted him.

The case was then reported to the police in which the accused was charged for the offence.

Murder accused released on $5000 cash bail

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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In-court

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

HIGH Court judge Justice Maelyn Bird has released a man accused of murder, Jimmy Junior Lusibaea on bail with strict conditions.

The prosecution had earlier charged Lusibaea with one count of murder contrary to section 200 of the Penal Code (cap 26), one count of driving unlicensed motor vehicle contrary to section 7(1) of the Road Transport Act and one count of driving without a valid license contrary to section 20 (l) of the Road Transport Act.

Justice Bird in her ruling on the bail application explained that it must be observed that the right to bail of a person charged with a criminal offence is protected under section 5 and section 10 of our national constitution.

She said the current applicant in this bail application is charged with the offence of murder together with other minor offences.

“It is not uncommon for the courts in this jurisdiction to release people on bail who are facing murder charges, there have been numerous cases where accused have been admitted to bail notwithstanding that they were charged with the offence of murder”, Justice Bird said.

Ms Bird taking into account the applicant’s presumption of innocence and the applicant’s right to personal liberty together with all relevant factors of the bail application, granted bail for the accused to be released from custody while waiting for his hearing on the case.

Therefore, she imposed a $5000 cash bail with a curfew order to the effect that the applicant must be confined within the Lion Heart Co Ltd’s compound area, Henderson, from 7pm to 6:30am each day until his matter is finalised by the court.

Other conditions also imposed is that the applicant shall not take alcoholic liquor whilst on bail.

The alleged incident occurred at the Henderson area East Honiara in the early hours of December 6.

The allegation said a fast-moving vehicle hit the deceased in front of the Island Night Club in the Henderson area during an argument and rock throwing between two parties.

Prosecution said the accused drove a double cabin Hilux at a high speed to and fro in front of the Club area when he allegedly hit the deceased.

The deceased after being hit was transported to the National Referral Hospital (NRH) in Honiara by his relatives and but died shortly afterwards.

Prosecution also said that following the incident, a reconciliation was made between the two parties, and compensation was paid to the deceased’s family.

Lusibaea was then arrested and remanded in custody since December 16 2020.

3 YEARS FOR WIFE BEATER

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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0

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

A man found guilty for assaulting his wife with a knife will be jailed for three years and six months.

High Court Judge Justice Maelyn Bird made the sentence at the High Court yesterday.

This is in relation to the case of a 20-year-old man Michael Fasiadi charged on one count of acts intended to cause grievous harm in relation to an incident which occurred on May 27 2020.

The incident happened at the Tina Road on Central Guadalcanal.

Justice Bird in her sentencing told the accused that the injuries sustained by the victim are serious as she had multiple injuries to various parts of her body.

She said the victim was blessed that the various injuries were not fatal.

Ms Bird told the accused that from what transpired on the date of the offending, it would be advisable that you must not allow yourself to get so intoxicated that you are unable to control your behaviour and temper.

“If you have killed the victim on that occasion, you could have been liable to face a sentence of life imprisonment, I urge you to learn from this grave mistake and do not re-offend.

“I have also seen from the agreed facts that you committed the offending between the hours of 4am to 6am, the victim was sleeping at your house with your three months old baby when you arrived and caused an argument with her.

“There is no justification for your action on the victim, your action had deprived the victim of her peace and tranquility at home, you terrorized her, in her own home in the early hours of the date of offending”, Ms Bird said.

Ms Bird also took into account the reconciliation between the victim’s family and the accused family.

Therefore, she told the accused to always learn to discuss and dialogue with his wife to settle issues affecting their family as there is no need to commit violence on your wife.

“Respect yourself so that you can also respect your wife and your child”, Ms Bird added.

Ziata tribes to shut Noro water source this week.

Written by
Alfred Pagepitu
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BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

NORO township is likely to face a water crisis as landowning tribes are threatening to close down the Ziata water source from Tuesday this week.

 The action by the tribes follows disagreement over the non-settlement of outstanding grievances by the National Government for nearly 50 years.

 The water source supplies water to Noro township.

 A tribal representative and spokesperson Rex Biku issued a public notice to all Noro Town residents dated 29th April 2021, advising them and the surrounding communities that the Ziata Water Source will be closed for public use as of Tuesday 04/05/21.

 Biku said the action will continue after all governments have terribly failed to live up to their promises.

 He stressed that the DCGA Government has failed to respond positively in addressing the outstanding claim of the GGMV Tribes of Munda.

 “The Government was given a 7 days’ notice on this matter which had commenced on Wednesday 28th April and will lapse on Tuesday 4th May 2021,” Biku said.

 Biku therefore said the general public residing in and around Noro Township are kindly advised to prepare themselves by refilling their water tanks, water containers, water buckets and any other water-holding utensils for household uses.

 He explained that the public in the Noro Township will be advised should the situation changes on or before the 7 days’ notice has lapsed.

Taking steps to protect leatherback sea turtles

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Admin
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By IAN KAUKUI 

SOLOMON Islands, a country with one of the world’s most extensive shorelines, has taken a step towards conserving the nesting beaches and protection of Pacific leatherback sea turtles.

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) office in Honiara, with the support from their main branch in United Kingdom is the main driver of the turtle conservation work.

“Across the world, turtle species are already endangered and in Solomon Islands, we want to focus on Isabel Province since it was one of the main nesting sites for the Leatherback turtles including other species not only in Solomon Islands but also in the Pacific region.

“This was known following assessment done in the past by National Oceania and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a US based organization that deals with different species such as the Leatherback,” TNC Country Director Willie Atu said.   

He said in Isabel, they have four active sites but only two of them engaged with the conservation activities until this month where the other two have formally signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to be part of the conservation. The two sites include Sasakolo and Lithogahira.

“Sasakolo nesting beach was the first to carryout conservation and monitoring work way back in 1992 but it was halted in 2012 following land dispute whilst Lithogahira is a new comer in the project,” he said.

Isabel Paramount Chief, Bishop James Philip Mason who is one of the hardworking persons supporting the idea to converse the Lithogahira nesting beach said he is very happy to be part of the initiative and would continue to support the project.

“I can still remember when I was attending primary school in Lithogahira during 1940’s where we used to eat those leatherback turtles, but now we have learned the importance of conserving them given their less appearance on our beaches compared to the past.

“Since they are now regarded as endangered species, their survival depends on our attitude towards them and so it is time we together to help protect and allow their population to grow as far as they can,” he said. 

Isabel Provincial Premier Leslie Kikolo said the province is also fully support anything to do with conservation but just that customary land issues have to be sorted out by responsible authorities.

“Our province is so honored and privileged to host such projects given we are the only province those leatherback turtles love to nest on and we want to be role model to other provinces when it comes to conservation of such endangered species.

“I hope that the conservation programs will continue and more Leatherback turtles will come to our shores so that in future we can provide more nesting sites for the turtles,” Kikolo said.

TNC Marine Conservation Scientist Simon Peter Vuto said they also have the satellite tracking journey of those stocked species that fed as far as north California, USA and yet make their treacherous migration thousands of miles just to nest in Isabel islands.

Vuto said the critically endangered Western Pacific leatherback sea turtles embark on an annual migration of over 6,000 miles each year to feed on dense aggregations of their favorite food, jellyfish.

“As the largest of all sea turtles, Leatherback have experienced a catastrophic 95% decline in their Pacific nesting populations over the last several decades due to constant threats of entanglement in commercial fishing gear, poaching of turtles and turtle eggs from nesting beaches, ingestion of plastics and pollutants, and habitat loss on tropical nesting beaches.

“Past scientific assessments already compliment local knowledge which had shown Isabel Province to host some of the most active nesting beaches for leatherback turtles in Solomon Islands.  

“Records also shows those leatherback turtles after their eggs were hatched and released out to sea where they migrated to other parts of the ocean, they will return as they get matured to lay their eggs on the same beach where they know they were born out from and is becoming like a life cycle of any particular thing,” Vuto explained.

TNC Isabel Coordinator, John Pita said for Sasakolo as one of the active nesting beaches for the leatherback turtles, it took around 11 years to carry out the conservation.

“Sasakolo has recorded a total of 227 nests in 6 seasons from 1993-2009 until in 2012 when it was halted due to land issue.

“After Sasakolo, we have Sosoilo where we recorded 77 nests from the 4 seasons beginning from 2015- 2019 and later on we have Haevo where we have recorded 316 nests for the 7 seasons starting from 2013 -2019.”

He said TNC is yet to get the updated data of the figure for the recent years from each conservation sites but from the recent monitoring findings, it shows an increase of the number of nesting sites especially on the already established conservation sites such as Haevo and Sosoilo.

A representative and Chief of the Kolebara decedents at the Lithogahira nesting beach, Chief Clement Eta said with the recent signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the two landowning groups from Sasakolo and Lithogahira, that increases the conservation sites to four.

But Eta said, prior to all those conservations, harvesting of those leatherback turtle with their eggs is a normal thing for them to do.

“Given the ongoing practice of slaughtering turtles by people, it seems the number of leatherback turtle nesting per week is slowly declining compared to the past.

“Our conviction to offer our beach for the purpose of conservation was after we realized the importance of conserving the species as explained to us when attending several leatherback turtles’ workshops and consultations organized by TNC office together with the Isabel Provincial Government (IPG) as part of encouraging us to protect and conserve leatherback in our shores and in Solomon Islands.

“The other reason to engage with the conservation again is that we want to see the increase of the leatherback turtle population again just as it was in the past where the whole beach is regarded as the nesting sites.

“At first, the whole beach is regarded as the nesting sites but as time goes on and people continue to kill and eat the turtles and their eggs, the nesting sites getting narrowed and it’s a sad thing to see,” he said.

He said with the support from TNC, they are looking forward to participate in ensuring the conservation is effectively carried out including the training of Rangers as they are the front liners to do the work.

Anet Ofu which represent Sasakolo leatherback turtle nesting beach said one of the challenges to such conservation is land issues which endangers conservation efforts.

But she said they are so pleased to be back with the conservation efforts after several years of operation and later got halt in 2012 after some land issues arising.

“Sasakolo leatherback turtle beach is the second longest nesting beach in Isabel province with 3.4 km in length and is one of the active beaches during the period of its conservation.

“At first it was the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources who led the conservation operation and it was not properly set up until the TNC office stepped in later on.

“Following its start off in 1993, later in 2006 a team from US came and conducted a satellite tracking of the leatherback turtle movement in and out of Isabel province to the great Pacific Ocean linking to the California in South America, she said.

“We continue with the work until in 2012 when some issue of land dispute arises, we then halted the conservation until now that we have decided together with the other parties to leave the issue of land aside and allow the conservation work to go ahead,” Mrs. Ofu said.

She said during the first conservation period, communities in and around Sasakolo were aware of the conservation and respect the efforts until it comes to halt in 2012 where they started to harvest the eggs and turtle again.

“Since we are already into it now, I don’t think we have a problem in conserving our beaches, but we really need support from TNC in pushing this effort forward by way of providing equipment, materials and to support the plan to also built an accommodation centre for the Rangers when carrying out the monitoring activities,” she said.

“We are so happy to join Lithogahira in supporting the conservation efforts by signing up the MOU together with TNC as now our main objective is to help get the endangered species population increases again through conservation given its population is now slowly declining.

“Not only that, it’s a pride for us given that apart from other beaches in Solomon Islands and in the Western Pacific, Sasakolo including other beaches in Isabel province are already regarded as one of the highest active sites for those leatherback turtles to nest and we want to see that in the many years to come,” she added.

VIEWPOINT- PPP used to develop Tina Hydro is the best model under the circumstances.

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PETER FORAU

Honiara

I’M compelled to contribute to the discussion on the PPP form adopted to develop the Tina Hydro Project basically to provide an answer to the question on whether Solomon Islands as the owner of the project (asset) stands to benefit under the PPP variant that has been chosen. 

I believe the country needs to be assured that it won’t lose out on the development. 

I also believe the Minister of Finance has been reassuring that all necessary due diligence has been executed prior to the decision to favour the PPP approach that is now part of the project development arrangement.

First of all, PPP refers to public-private partnership. 

It is basically a form of procurement that works on the basis of forming partnerships with the private sector based on a contract. 

There are many variants (forms) of PPP.  The popular ones are Build Operate and Transfer (BOT), Build Own Operate and Transfer (BOOT), Build Lease and Transfer (BLT), Design, Finance, Build, Operate and Transfer (DFBO), Design, Build, Operate and Transfer (DBO) etc.

The Government in its wisdom (I’m sure with technical advice from knowledgeable entities or persons) has opted to adopt the BOT variant to develop the Tina hydro project.

  Under the circumstances this is the best form because it is introduced after the project has been designed and all finances almost secured. 

At this stage the main functions to be developed are to build the dam, and then followed by operating it successfully. 

In an ideal situation, the most preferred variant would have been the DFBO form which then will have significantly minimized the risks fronting the SIG as owner of the asset. 

But as I mentioned the project has advanced to a stage where the DFBO form would have been inappropriate hence my claim that the BOT form is the best under the circumstances.

For the information of interested citizens and stakeholders that are party to the development, in a PPP approach there are no shares to be allocated. 

There is a contracted partnership which grants  the private partner (which could be a consortium) the right to operate the asset or project for a term, normally thirty years as is the case with the Tina Hydro,  In that arrangement K-Water has been granted under contract the right to operate the asset for 30 years. 

This is perfectly normal which is consistent with the principles of a PPP operation. 

The reason why K-Water or any private partner is allowed time to operate the asset is for it to recover the capital that it has injected into helping fund the project in the “build” stage.

Under normal procurement, the capital risked by the private partner (K-Water) to invest in the project would have been a term loan that would have to be repaid with interest. 

Under the BOT arrangement that has been adopted, this is not the case. 

So technically the SIG has been spared the burden of incurring another debt which is a benefit to Solomon Islands, and ownership of a long-term asset (hydro dam) which potentially will contribute in a huge way to the economic development of this country – cheaper electricity in the long-term, less reliance on fossil fuels and a head start towards reliance on clean energy therefore achieving one of the SDGs. 

The argument around relatively expensive electricity tariffs after the dam has been completed is only relevant when reference is made to the 30 years that the asset will be operated by K-Water. 

After 30 years, the asset (hydro dam) will be transferred at no recourse to the SIG.  This is a key feature of a project developed under a PPP model.  

The asset is transferred at no recourse to the Government or an entity so chosen by the Government.

In this case Solomon Power could assume ownership of the asset. At that future time, there is no obligation to set tariffs to reflect cost recovery therefore electricity will be much cheaper.  

So perhaps the key points to note are that the BOT variant is the best under the circumstances,  SIG under principle of PPP cannot have  shares in the operation of the dam, K-Water will need to recover its $20 million investment, after 30 years the asset (dam) will transfer to the Government at no recourse, and K-Water will be responsible for maintaining the asset to standards that will be specified by the Government. 

The benefits for SIG and the nation will be enormous and cannot be financially estimated.  The economy will benefit from cheap electricity going forward after thirty years. 

All maintenance costs will be borne by K-Water during the 30 years.  

The nation will own a long-term asset which basically was built at no cost to the nation. 

There are opportunity costs in the form of landowners losing their land. 

However, considering the difficult terrain and isolated area, the opportunity costs may be difficult to be quantified. 

That said, the landowners must be compensated for giving up their land for this national project.

Therefore, I would suggest that either an outright payment is considered or a benefit-sharing is agreed with the landowners that they will receive a certain amount over the thirty year period.

I hope with this brief, we are a bit more assured that our Government is doing the right thing over the development of the Tina Hydro dam project.

Mamara city to alleviate Honiara’s congestion issue: Sade

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Mr Yii Ging HII presenting chupu to Premier Francis Sade

By EDDIE OSIFELO

THE Mamara New City project on North West Guadalcanal is expected to alleviate the problem of congestion in Honiara.

Guadalcanal Premier, Francis Mbelande Sade highlighted this during the official launching of the multi-million-dollar project on friday.

“But while we celebrate and congratulate each other, it is also important to be conscious of both the positive and negative impacts of such a development, and to ensure that it is inclusive and does not reproduce the challenges that we have seen with Honiara,” he said.

The ‘Mamara New Capital City’ development is the result of the Mamara-Tasivarongo-Mavo Development Agreement Act 1997.

The agreement was between then national government and the investor Metropolis Pacific Pte Ltd, based in Singapore.

Sade said it is important to note that this Act was passed a year prior to the beginning of the civil unrests that started here on Guadalcanal in late 1998.

He said it was a set of events that brought our country to its knees economically, politically and socially, and led some commentators to label our country as a “weak state”.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare with Mamara Tasivarongo council members and Mr Yii Ging Hill pose for official group photo

“This subsequently resulted in the deployment of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands in mid-2003.

“It is also vital to note the civil unrests were as much result of the inequalities of development and the inequitable distributions of its benefits, as they were about development approaches, we adopt,” he said.

Sade said one such development is that of urban centers and the rural-urban divide it invokes, and the opportunities and challenges associated with it.

He said globally, human societies are becoming increasingly urbanized with more people moving into rapidly growing cities, some of which are overcrowded and most people living in its economic and social margins. In Solomon Islands, most of our people live in rural areas.

“However, urban centers such as Honiara, Auki, Gizo, Noro, Kirakira, etc. are growing.

“There is therefore a need to put in place policies and plans that, not only facilitate this growth, but also alleviates the negative impacts,” he said.

Mamara new city securities providing entertainment

Sade said according to the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN Habitat) 2012 Report, Solomon Islands annual urban growth rate was 4.7 percent.

He said this Report is almost 10 years ago, but illustrates the severity of the issues associated with urbanization.

“The Report states that urbanization leads “to increase in urban poverty and informal settlements with a lack of sanitation and infrastructure.”

“In other words, most of our people who move to urban centers, especially Honiara, do not share in the wealth and opportunities that urban centers supposedly produce,” he said.

Sade said this ‘Mamara New Capital City’ illustrates the growth in urban areas.

The City is expected to accommodate 1,000 houses for public servants before 2023 and Mamara Spring Hotel.

So far, the developer has completed 15 houses.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare was the guest of honor with Deputy PM, Manasseh Maelanga, ministers, senior government officials, Governor of Central Bank, Dr Luke Forau and other diplomatic officials.

CCTV FILM

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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The scene of the crime: PHOTO CHARLES KADAMANA

Police claim strong evidence on Chinese woman’s death

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

Police are claiming to have strong evidence into the April-13 killing of the Chinese woman at White Angel building, Pt Cruz.

Deputy Police Commissioner Ian Vaevaso told reporters yesterday they have in possession CCTV footage incriminating a suspect.

Vaevaso said the footage “clearly identified the prime suspect into the incident”.

“The footage is very clear to identify the suspect,” Vaevaso said.

He said investigations have led police to label a shopkeeper of the deceased as the suspect.

Having said this, Vaevaso calls on the suspect currently in hiding in east Malaita to surrender himself in for questioning.

He adds, this is so that the suspect can be given the chance to tell his side of the story.

Vaevaso clarifies that police currently only has one suspect.

“At the moment police have no other suspects but once the prime suspect is arrested then questions will be asked whether there are others who may have involved in the planning of the incident,” Vaevaso said.

He said Honiara and Auki police are collaborating to bring the suspect in, also gathering information.

“Immediate families of the alleged suspect are also working with police officers to bring the alleged suspect in for questioning.”

This is regarding the killing incident which occurred on the morning of April 13 at the White Angel building.

Allegation said the Chinese woman left her house in the Ranadi area, east Honiara to drop off her twin sons at school in the morning and then went down to her shop inside the White Angel Building in Point Cruz to open it as normal.

While the shopkeepers were waiting outside for the deceased to open the shop, the husband of the deceased arrived and sought assistance from a nearby shop to open their shop as the doors were locked from inside. However, that was unsuccessful and police were alerted in which the Police Fire Service came to their assistance and opened the shop and that is when the husband discovered his wife lying on the floor with blood all over her body.

Silver Lake security arrested over alleged $44k robbery.

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

A security guard of the Silver Lake pub has been arrested over the alleged robbery of $44,000.

The arrest was made on April 23.

Deputy Police Commissioner Ian Vaevaso during the Commissioner’s weekly conference yesterday said a male victim was allegedly robbed at the Silver Lake night club by security guards on the early morning of April 10, 2021.

Vaevaso said reports say three security guards approached the victim while he was on his way out of the club.

The allegation said the three securities approached the victim, kicked his leg and assaulted him; as a result of that attack the victim fell on the ground, that is when the securities took his bag and escaped.

Vaevaso said the victim went to the Silver Lake night club with his friends on the evening of April 9, 2021 to have few beers, and as they entered into the entrance, they were checked by the securities and the securities took his bag and left it with a female who worked at the bar for safe-keeping.

Police also alleged that the securities already discovered during their check that a huge amount of money was in the bag.

Meanwhile around 5am the next morning the victim with his friends decided to leave the club, and the victim went to the bar to get his bag while his friends were waiting at the car for him.

Vaevaso said the incident was immediately reported to the Henderson police and on April 23, the first suspect was arrested while the other two suspects are still at large.

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