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Two men charged over stealing in Central province

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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POLICE officers in Central province have arrested and charged two men for three counts each of alleged house break-in and one count each of alleged stealing from a dwelling house.

Provincial Police Commander Central province, Superintendent Patricia Leta says, “It is alleged that the accused on separate dates between August 10, 2018 and September 8 broke and allegedly entered two shops, the Havuna Community High School Science Laboratory and allegedly stole from a dwelling house.

“The suspects were arrested as a result of support done by Crime Prevention committee members of Yandina.

“The accused were brought to Honiara where a remand application was made in the Honiara Magistrates Court. Both are now remanded for the next 14 days as of Sept 16, 2018.

“I wish to thank my hard working officers of Central Province for the job well done leading to the successful arrest of the accused and the community for continuous support towards Police,” says Leta.

Crime Investigation Officer (CIO) for Yandina Police Station, Sergeant Jones Dagi says, “I wish to remind the general public of Yandina to refrain from involving in this type of activities.

“We need to stay away from problem and I wish to sincerely thank members of the Crime Prevention Committee in Yandina for their ongoing support for Police.”

–POLICE MEDIA

Juvenile arrested for alleged rape in Central province

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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POLICE in Central province have arrested a 15-year-old juvenile on an allegation of rape that occurred on September 11, 2018 at the Bona settlement area near Burungia Village, Small Gela.

Provincial Police Commander Central province, Superintendent Patricia Leta says, “It was alleged that in the early evening of September 11, 2018 the victim’s father sent her to Ghumba Village to get money for betel- nuts she left at her uncle’s house in the morning for sale.

“The victim started running back to her home village which is Burungia. On her way back to the Village she met the suspect along the road at the Bona settlement.

“However, the suspect caught up with her and allegedly threatened her. He further dragged her into the bush and allegedly raped her.”

The matter was reported to Police and the suspect was arrested on September 18 and an investigation is currently underway.

Leta says, “The incident has caused widespread outrage in all the surrounding communities.

“This is totally unacceptable within our Christian communities. This type of cruel act should be condemned.

“Community leaders, church leaders, chiefs, youth leaders, women leaders, school teachers and parents must work together to reduce sexual offences in our society.

“It is high time that we take a leading role to protect our girls and women to reduce it in our beloved province.

“My good people of Central province, we need to put a stop to this unacceptable behaviour.”

“I would like to urge all young girls and women, to always avoid going by yourself at night or to isolated places.

“To all the male youth and men in the province, please respect our girls and women.

“Be reminded that rape is a very serious offence under our law which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment if found guilty.”

–POLICE MEDIA

Sentencing of former RSIPF traffic Director tomorrow

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

PRINCIPAL Magistrate Augustine Aulanga will deliver his sentence on the case against the former traffic Director tomorrow.

He appeared in court yesterday for sentencing however his case was adjourned for tomorrow for sentencing.

Charles Solomon Habatia is a former traffic director who was charged and tried for one count of conversion, contrary to section 278 (1) (c)(i) of the Penal Code.

After his conviction by the Magistrate Court his defence lawyer appealed Habatia’s conviction to the High Court and thus the Magistrate Court is waiting on the decision of the High Court before can proceed on with the sentence.

His case is in relation to an incident which occurred in 2016 when he was the Operation Manager for Honiara city and by virtue of his position; he was responsible for the formulation, coordination and management of police operations of various departments or units in the Honiara city.

Before June 2016, he applied for Solomon Islands government money in a form of special imprest of $24,000 from the Ministry of Finance and Treasury.

The application was approved and the money was raised and paid to the defendant. It was purposely to fund police operations within the Honiara city.

Prosecution in their allegation said that he did not use the whole of the $24,000 for the police operations. Instead, he fraudulently converted and used part of it for his own benefit. This occurred between June 3 and August 31, 2016.

The prosecution said the accused retired the money in a spreadsheet and attached a number of receipts obtained from individuals and business entities.

In the imprest retirement, he outlined certain transactions for various police operations under different departments like; the Liquor Unit, Criminal Response Unit and Naha Police. However, the Heads of these departments were not aware of such engagement or transactions. Those receipts in the prosecution’s case were false.

They were produced by the defendant to deceive the Solomon Islands government in the retirement of the money.

Meanwhile the defendant denies the fraudulent conversion of the money. He remained silent and called no evidence for his case.

He ardently emphasised in his closing submission that he did not receive the money at all and further denied any wrong doing on his part.

He argued that there was no evidence to prove the allegation and therefore he should be acquitted.

But the court found him guilty after the trial was conducted and convicted him as charged.

Funding delays police work on Bellona killing case

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

PUBLIC Prosecution has informed court yesterday that funding issues has delayed police investigation on the Bellona murder incident.

This is the case against Kravis Tamaika who is alleged of killing a little girl and injuring four other victims on August 17 this year.

Prosecutor Patricia Tabepuda who appeared for the Director Public Prosecution said investigation is still ongoing and police investigators are yet to go over to Bellona to complete the investigation.

She said that two other victims are still currently hospitalised at the National Referral Hospital and thus police are yet to get their statements.

Ms Tabepuda said their office was informed that this case was investigated by police in Honiara and investigators are waiting on the funds to be approved for their travel to Bellona.

Meanwhile the accused is yet to be represented by any lawyer.

Principal Magistrate Augustine Aulanga said that lawyers from the Public Solicitor’s Office should represent the accused as he has many serious charges against him.

Aulanga then adjourned the case for the next 14 days, and ordered that prosecution updates the court on the status of the investigation and also for the accused to secure a lawyer to represent him with his charges.

The case will appear again in court on October 3.

Netting big fish

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Parliament

Police closing in for a Vanuatu-type mass arrest of MPs

 

By Alfred Sasako

POLICE are said to be planning a Vanuatu-type mass arrest of members of Parliament on misuse of public funds just before Parliament winds up on December 17 this year.

But unlike Vanuatu where 13 MPs including two former prime ministers were convicted and jailed for bribery, Solomon Islands politicians face the music on alleged misuse of public funds through diversion.

In preparation for the planned arrests in Honiara, police detectives from the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) have been sent to constituencies whose MPs are under the spotlight.

These officers are conducting secret investigations to establish evidence that would be used in court against MPs.

“There are officers in the constituencies now,” informed sources told Island Sun.

It is understood these are cases which the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) has endorsed for police action.

Some cases were brought against MPs by private citizens whose constituency funding has never been shared equally, let alone accounted for in a transparent way.

West Are Are on Malaita is one constituency being named as of particular interest to police. It is said to be case Number 7 on the number of cases before police.

One other case involved the disbursements of the $10 million Cattle Rehabilitation Project, which Taiwan funded in 2008/2009.

A police investigation into more $800,000 funding provided by the Government for some 25 cattle farmers in East Kwaio concluded a year ago, but police may have put the case in abeyance.

The investigation followed complaints by many of the farmers who denied having received any assistance from the funding.

No official confirmation could be obtained last night from police on the planned arrest.

In 2015, Vanuatu’s deputy Prime Minister Moana Carcasses was sentenced to four years in jail for bribery and corruption, joining 13 other MPs — or half of the nation’s government — in prison.

It followed a ruling by Vanuatu Supreme Court on October 9 that he offered money amounting to 35 million Vatu ($452,000) to his fellow MPs when they were in opposition.

Justice Mary Sey ruled that the payments were designed to influence MPs in their capacity as public officials.

Upon sentencing, Justice Sey said those who “occupy a position of trust or authority can expect to be treated severely by the criminal law”.

“Furthermore, where an offence involves a breach of trust, the court regards it as a significant aggravating factor,” she said.

The parliament’s speaker, Marcellino Pipite, who led an unsuccessful attempt to pardon himself and the convicted MPs, was sentenced to three years in prison.

‘Half-cooked bill?

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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National Parliament of Solomon Islands

Government questioned over lack of consultation and tabling timeline of traditional bill

THE Civil Society Sector is outraged at the lack of consultation involved in the construction and proposed timeline for tabling of the Traditional Governance and Customs Facilitation Bill

“Why must our elected representatives, be so determined to pass this bill without proper consultation, riddled with unclear terms and sections that may very well contradict our constitution,” Casper Fa’asala, General Secretary National Council of Women said.

Fa’asala says this ahead of a planned meeting with the Bills and Legislation committee today by the civil society.

The group will include the voices of women and youth, two groups that are largely excluded from decision making within the proposed legislation.

“In our country there are both patrilineal and matrilineal societies. Women, traditional custodians, were not included in these consultations,” Fa’asala said.

The time allowed for submissions on the Traditional Governance and Customs Facilitation Bill was only one week. The ‘consultations’ involved in authoring the bill were brief.

“If the government does not desist in this failure of process, that many view to have corrupt motivations, we will protest. They must delay the submission deadline and passage of this bill.

“We will not rest until this bill is properly scrutinized and we are sure that it will not breed greater corruption particularly in relation to land and resource exploitation,” Faasala said.

The Anti- Corruption Bill, just recently passed, was more than three years in the making.

Inia Barry, Chairman Development Services Exchange, said, “This bill has serious potential to strip land rights from Solomon Islanders, one of the only indigenous populations to hold onto our customary land rights.

“It can also create great discord and tension within communities if the language does not become more specific.

“We must take this seriously, we must be allowed to scrutinise the bill.”

The CSO Sector has also announced that it will raise further concerns at the haste given to the Mining Bill.

“This government has an atrocious record when it comes to legislating the appointment of chiefs. Those who can’t walk should not try to run. Why are they running from us – what is their true motivation?” Fa’asala said.

CSO also plans to voice out further concerns to the SIG government, along with other partner groups including: Development Services Exchange, National Council of Women, Honiara Youth Council, Malaita Provincial Council of Women, Temotu Provincial Council of Women, Isobel National Council of Women, Makira Conservation Network, Natural Resource Development Foundation Western Province, Forum Solomon Islands, Solomon Island Development Trust and Vois Blong Mere Solomon.

–CSO PRESS

Top leaders back young reps

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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PM Hou, Opposition Leader Maelanga, City Mayor and SIFF President at the last pool match between SI and Vanuatu on Saturday.

BY ROMULUS HUTA

PM Hou, Opposition Leader Maelanga, City Mayor and SIFF President at the last pool match between SI and Vanuatu on Saturday.

THE country’s leaders are rooting behind the national under-16 side as they are about to head into their semifinal clash of the OFC Under-16 Championship against Fiji tomorrow morning.

This semifinal encounter holds a lot of significance. A victory for the homeside will see Solomon Islands attain a historic maiden qualification into the conventional (11-aside) FIFA Under-17 World Cup.

Prime Minister Rick Hou and Opposition Leader Manasseh Maelanga have had the opportunity to join the homecrowd last Saturday to cheer for the youngsters in the 5-0 rout of Vanuatu in the competition’s Pool A final match.

According to a post on the PM Press Secretariat facebook page yesterday, the two leaders will again team up together tomorrow to support the boys take on Fiji in the first semifinal scheduled for 10am kick off at Lawson Tama Stadium.

“Prime Minister Hou and the Opposition Leader Maelanga will join the nation again this Wednesday at Lawson Tama to support the Under-16 as our boys set to make history in qualifying for the U-17 World Cup in Peru next year,” the statement said.

Catholic Church marks 450 years of the Cross Arrival

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
One of the Missionary while planting the cross on the top of Vuhokesa hill now known as Holy Cross Hill.
One of the Missionary while planting the cross on the top of Vuhokesa hill now known as Holy Cross Hill.

CATHOLIC parishioners of the Archdiocese of Honiara on Sunday, September 16, congregated at the Holy Cross cathedral to mark the 450 years of the Cross arrival in the country.

The celebration to mark the great day began with the enactment of the arrival of Alvaro de Medana on our shores in 1568 from the Yacht Club to the Holy Cross cathedral by the Avuavu parishioners alongside the Barana and Mataniko communities.

In 1568 Spanish explorer Alvaro de Medana come to our shores, because of the great beauty of our islands and prospect of finding gold, and he named our country Solomon Islands.

The cross pilgrimaged around parishes and districts of Honiara Archdiocese to promote the love of God, the grace of our lord Jesus and the Communion of the Holy Spirit in our communities and to help and encourage people in their spiritual faith to live and share the Good News of Christ in our parishes and communities; and it symbolises the dead and suffering.

It is also a sign of victory of love and mercy of Christ to all Christians and shows us a great history of the coming of the Church or faith in our shore and it remind us of the important message about the great events which are the highlights of the synod in Rome the youth, faith and vocation.

Speaking during his homily, Bishop Elect for Auki Diocese Fr Peter Houhou said, “today we gather together to witness one of the significant and historical events in the Catholic Church here in Solomon Islands.

“The planting of the cross in our shore is a great and salvation history for us and that particular day is a greatest day of all days that has been long before.

“The drama that we show and witness this morning is significant and the planting of the cross on vuhokesa hill top now known as Holy cross is like planting the spiritual seed in each one of us.”

The event also highlights with traditional (chupu) presentation, unveiling and blessing of the historical monument (cross) in front of the cathedral and concluded with number of religious entertainment. More than five thousand devotee attended the celebration and the theme of Cross reads, “Take up your cross and follow Jesus”.

By Camillus Kole

Catholic Press

Police witness reconciliation over weekend fatal accident

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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A RSIPF officer addresses both parties during the reconciliation. (INSERT) Leaders of the two sides reconcile. Photos from Police Media
A RSIPF officer addresses both parties during the reconciliation. (INSERT) Leaders of the two sides reconcile. Photos from Police Media

OFFICERS of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) on September 16 witnessed a reconciliation ceremony between parties involved in the fatal accident in Honiara on Saturday, September 15, during which a 15-year-old girl died after collision with a vehicle.

The reconciliation was held at the Rove Police Headquarters in Honiara.

Supervising Director, Kukum Traffic Staff Sergeant (SSgt) Michael Haomae says, “Both parties and the police were present during the reconciliation and a sum of money was given to the deceased’s side as a sign of them saying sorry for what happened to the young girl.

“Although the reconciliation took place police will still continue with the investigation in to the incident and prosecute the case in court.

“I acknowledge the fact that both parties came together to minimize possible retaliation.”

Chairman of Salio Village Chairman Japhet Hamutagi says, “I on behalf of the Chief and people of Salio Village in Maringe, Isabel Province I am deeply sorry for what had happened to our young girl.

“We are really sorry and thank God for the guidance of the Holy Spirit to unite us together to come this far to witness this reconciliation today.”

The adopted father of the deceased accepted what was given by the suspect’s side on behalf of his people and received the money and assured the suspect’s side not to stay in fear.

The suspect was formally arrested for causing death by reckless and dangerous driving under the Traffic Act as well as other traffic related offences.

–POLICE MEDIA

Authorities called on to take action

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
The car wash operating along the Kola ridge graveyard road.

By Gary Hatigeva

VEHICLE owners residing in East, Central and West Kola Ridge, are calling on the Honiara City Council (HCC) and other relevant authorities to take serious action on the carwash activities along the grave yard road.

Central Honiara residence using the road on a day to day basis felt that the authorities continue to turn a deaf ear on the many calls that have previously been made to them to stop or properly regulate these carwash activities as their activities continue to cause damages to the road.

Earlier, Island Sun did a story on these activities, questioning HCC on the status of these activities, which they confirmed to be illegal and operations should have not been there at the first place.

HCC assured the public that they will take actions, but to date since this follow up, no actions have yet been taken and insiders told this paper that all these activities are still operating without any legal approvals from the authorities.

Because of this, residents are again calling on the Authorities to step in now to put an end to these activities as many expressed damages to parts of their vehicles from this particular road section due to the poor condition of the highlighted road.

“Remember, we use this road daily going up and down the Grave Yard road, and it is so frustrating that we have to drive in manners to avoid these drain like sections, which only put the safety of pedestrians at risk,” a vehicle owner pointed out when interviewed.

Other residents expressed that because of these activities, the roads are worsened, with little or no rehabilitations, and because no actions to repair or maintain them, the status of these roads have also become big factors in causing unnecessary hold ups and delays that users experienced almost every day.

“Because of these delays and hold ups, we sometimes decided to leave early, with hopes to avoid the cue, but have always ended up in a cue and this is due to the worsened section.

“At times, we would think it is a hold up especially, coming down from the Kola Ridge section, thinking it is a chain from the main road, but by the time we got close, we’d realise it is a hold up or delay from the part of the road just in between where all the carwash are happening,” one of the residents shared.

It is understood that the grave yard and surrounding areas, which include the road sides where the carwash activities are taking place, belong to the Honiara City Council, and this according to the frustrated vehicle owners, should not stop the Council from stepping in anytime.

While residents see the need to make earns meat for a lot of those who are involved in these carwash activities, they are worried that the numbers are increasing by the day, and the Authorities particularly, HCC is thought to be losing out on revenues as these activities are making profits from HCC owned resources and legal fees.

This then puts the HCC’s credibility and status as an authority, at serious question as many issues of similar nature continue to increase without being properly dealt with.

Some residents are however looking into steps to take legal actions themselves against the responsible authorities for negligence of care and duty to their law abiding citizens who also felt their calls are continuously being ignored.

Many shared that the calls for action should be taken seriously as this situation has not only affected concerned citizens, but so as taxpaying residents of Honiara City.

“Some of us are business license holders within the HCC under its laws and regulations, and to be ignored like this is uncalled for.

“There are some of us who run small scale businesses, but have to pay their taxes, and at times get penalised if we’d fail, but these carwash activities are totally out of control, as they not only operate illegally without paying any dues, their illegal activities are also causing damages to the state’s properties, which should also be an offence.

“One of which is the road infrastructure that continues to decay from these activities without any form of attention from both the HCC and the Ministry of Infrastructure Development,” a prominent business man who is also a resident in the West Kola Ridge area expressed.

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