BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Joyce Konofilia, sister of Moffat Joel Konofilia has made a public call to stop turning a blind eye to serious crimes being committed in the country.
She made the call after her brother, Moffat Joel Konofilia was arrested and remanded by Police.
Police said that Mr Konofilia was arrested and remanded for his outstanding criminal case before the Honiara Central Magistrates’ Court to answer criminal charges he committed during the riot on 24 November 2021.
According to Police Mr Konofilia faces two counts: Count 1, sedition contrary to section 3(1)(i) of the Sedition Act, and Count 2, taking part in unlawful assembly contrary to section 74 of the Penal Code.
Police said Konofilia faced two counts and later absconded from his bail conditions on the charges that he miserably failed to attend his court since he left for the United Kingdom (UK) in 2023. As evident on 8 February 2023, a warrant of arrest was issued.
Back then, on 19 September 2022, he provided to the court his address in the UK, which was clearly not genuine and was described as an effort to mislead the court, as supported by police inquiries.
Joyce Konofilia posted on her Facebook wall calling on the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Police Commissioner and Royal SI Police, Transparency SI, Anti- Corruption organisations, Leadership Code Commission, Ombudsman Office, Leader of Opposition, Attorney General, National Council of Women, SI Christian Association ( SICA), Honiara City Council and other Law Enforcement bodies take action and stop turning a blind eye to serious crimes being committed in this country.
“We have read and witnessed so many criminal activities in this country being highlighted yet those implicated are still walking around free, some even still in leadership positions in this country.
“I wish to highlight specifically some of this events and programs and schemes which had budgets worth millions and even billions that have been abused, and misused by individuals yet authorities have turned a blind eye to them. These are; Economic Stimulus Package, One Link missing $300,000, 33 shipments of bauxite from Rennell Island, Pacific Games 2023 Audit, Corona funds, Sufferance wharfs. And many countless unattended issues,” she said.
She said that these crimes are not a secret yet being ignored and shoved under the carpet.
“I challenge you Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele to do the right thing and bring the real criminals to justice! Thank you for being a man of integrity please walk the talk and ensure that integrity does not stop outside your door,” appealed Joyce Konofilia.
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