RSIPF investigates death incident in Malaita Province

Officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) are investigating the death of a male person between Sulufou and Oema artificial Islands in Malaita Province on 8 April 2019.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Joseph Manelugu who is currently Commander of the National General Election Police Operation Centre (POC) says, “It is alleged that on the afternoon of 8 April 2019, an argument broke out between supporters of two election candidates in the Baegu/ Asifola Constituency.”

It is further alleged that during the argument the deceased swam across to Oema from Sulufou artificial island when he drowned.

He was rescued by divers and was taken to Gounatolo clinic but he was pronounced dead by medical authorities at the Clinic.

ACP Manelugu reveals: “An investigation into this case is currently underway and a team of investigators from Auki are already at the scene as arrangements are underway to send other investigators from Honiara to assist.”

“I would like to call on community leaders, church leaders and members of the community to work together to keep the peace. I call on relatives and members of the family of the deceased not to take the law into your own hands whilst we are awaiting the outcome of the investigation. Leaders from both villages must engage with your people to refrain from such arguments but find ways to resolve disagreements through dialogue,” says ACP Manelugu

He adds: “The RSIPF strongly calls on all citizens of Solomon Islands to respect each other. Respect the outcome of the Election and let us all work together with our newly elected leaders for the development of our country.”