BY SYLVANA TEKUMAHA
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) reaffirms its role to maintain public safety and prevent escalation following a recent incident at the Gold Ridge Mine in Guadalcanal.
RSIPF in a statement yesterday said on the night of January 20, 2026, an arson was carried out on heavy machinery at the mine site, resulting in damage to a number of company assets.
From this incident some police officers and a civilian, working for the company sustained injuries.
In response, the police acted promptly, secured the area, and ensured that the incident did not escalate or pose further risk to surrounding communities.
RSIPF has commenced an investigation to identify those responsible and continues to gather information.
Meanwhile, the police are also engaging with local leaders and relevant stakeholders to support calm and lawful responses following the incident.
Supervising Assistant Commissioner (AC) of Police for the National Operations, Chief Superintendent Francis Ramoni said the priority for police is the safety of people and to prevent further unrest.
“RSIPF recognises that there are strong concerns within surrounding communities. Our role is to ensure those concerns do not result in harm to people or property and that issues are addressed peacefully and through appropriate channels,” he said.
RSIPF said police have supported discussions between community representatives and other parties to help reduce tension and prevent misinformation.
The Guadalcanal Provincial Government also joined calls for calmness and restraint.
RSIPF wants to assure the community that all valuable seized items and materials confiscated from Gold Ridge have been secured in safe storage, photographed, and recorded for transparency and ongoing inquiries into the seized items are continuing.
“RSIPF continues to take seriously any allegations toward officers after allegations in October 2025 that some officers were involved in illegal mining activities. These officers have been suspended pending the results of Professional Standards and Internal Investigations (PSII).
“RSIPF reiterated that matters relating to mining operations, royalties, or policy decisions sit outside the role of policing,” said the statement.
Chief Superintendent, Ramoni said RSIPF does not make commercial or government decisions.
“Our responsibility is to uphold the law impartially, protect lives, and maintain stability within our communities,” he said.
RSIPF said the police will continue to maintain a visible presence in the area to support safety, encourage peaceful engagement, and prevent further incidents while investigations continue.
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