-Burglary, arson spark security fears in Central Guadalcanal
BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Police are yet to visit the scene of a reported burglary and suspected arson attack in Belaha, Central Guadalcanal, days after the incidents were reported, raising concerns over security in the area.
Henderson Police yesterday confirmed they had received reports and opened an inquiry file, but officers had not yet attended the affected sites at Paringiju Mountain Lodge.
A police spokesperson said the burglary was reported last Wednesday, while a logging truck was deliberately set on fire early yesterday morning.
“Police will investigate this issue. We have not yet identified the individuals involved or confirmed where they are from, but this is a serious matter,” the spokesperson said.
The burglary also targeted a house belonging to the daughter of the owner of Paringiju Mountain Lodge.
A villager told Island Sun the woman had temporarily moved to a nearby village to mourn her father’s death when suspects allegedly broke into her home and stole cash.
“She had moved to the main village after her father’s passing,” the villager said.
In a separate incident, a logging truck believed to belong to Galego Company, operating in the Komaridi logging concession, was set ablaze while loaded with logs awaiting transport.
The villager said the two incidents have heightened fears among residents, who claim criminal activities are becoming more frequent across Central Guadalcanal.
Adding to those concerns, the police spokesperson said they received reports that armed men carrying spears reportedly entered several homes at Belaha Hailelua village during the early hours of yesterday, leaving families fearful for their safety.
A prominent leader in Guadalcanal said the incidents should serve as a wake-up call for provincial and national leaders.
He said the latest reports followed other allegations of armed robbery, house break-ins and attacks on householders in recent days, indicating a worrying trend.
He calls on leaders, including chiefs, church leaders, provincial governments, parents and the national government, to work together to address the growing security concerns.
He also urges national and provincial leaders to tackle issues surrounding illegal and informal settlements, saying long-standing concerns raised by communities must not continue to be ignored.
He warns that continued insecurity could threaten major development projects in Central Guadalcanal, including Gold Ridge Mine, the WinWin Mining Project and the Tina River Hydropower Project, discouraging investment and putting jobs and livelihoods at risk.
He stressed that the issue should not be viewed as blaming an entire province or ethnic group for the actions of a few individuals, but rather as a call for responsible leadership and accountability.
Meanwhile, reports reaching Island Sun also said that the Belaha community in Central Guadalcanal has resolved to establish vehicle checkpoints following the incidents that have left residents fearing for their safety.
The decision was reached during a community meeting held yesterday, where villagers agreed to introduce nightly vehicle checks in an effort to deter criminal activity and identify suspicious individuals moving through the area.
The checkpoints were scheduled to begin at 10pm last night, with every vehicle passing through to be stopped and inspected, particularly vehicles without registration plates that residents believe may be linked to recent crimes.
The meeting followed a string of incidents in recent days, including house break-ins, armed attacks on villagers and the burning of a logging truck, which have heightened security concerns across Central Guadalcanal.
Police investigations are continuing.
Photo: Supplied
For feedback, contact: [email protected]
Editor: [email protected]
