RSIPF arrests 33 suspects for alleged breach of lockdown order

The Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) in Honiara arrested 33 suspects at the end of the 36-hour lockdown order in the declared emergency order from Poha to Alligator Creek the State of Public Emergency (SoPE).

The lockdown was from 6pm on Wednesday 20 May to 6am this morning Friday 22 May 2020.

Acting Commissioner of Police Mostyn Mangau says, “Among the 33 arrested suspects are 24 male adults and 2 female. Seven male youth in the age range from 18 to 21 years are among the arrested suspects. All of the suspects are now being dealt with and will be appear in the Honiara Central Magistrates’ Court on the 28 and 29 May and on 2 June 2020.”

“At the end of the 36-hour operation, I am very happy to say that it was a successful one.”

Acting Commissioner Mangau adds, “I want to thank the good behaviour by our citizens within the declared emergency zone from Poha to Alligator. This contributed to the success of the police operation. This includes businesses like shops and our public transport operators.”

“Despite the arrests, I must commend the good behaviour of the majority of our citizens who adhered to the lockdown order and stayed at home during the 36 hours. I also thank the RSIPF frontline officers and those who supported the police operation in one way or the other,” says Acting Commissioner Mangau

“I want to appeal to the good citizens of this country to maintain this cooperation shown during the lockdown period as this is not the end yet as the State of Public Emergency (SOPE) declared in March this year is still on. We will to continue to assist the Government to enforce the SoPE including in the Emergency Zone in Honiara and in the common border with Papua New Guinea,” Commissioner Mangau emphasizes.