RSIPF mediates land dispute in Malaita Province

Officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force at Auki Police Station in Malaita Province have successfully mediated a land dispute at Sinaraqu, in East Kwaio on 18 August 2020.

The issue of the land dispute has been outstanding for some time during which properties belonging to both of the disputing tribes have been damaged. It is believed that both parties have no legal court documents to produce before police on primary ownership of the disputed land and its boundary.

Supervising Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Malaita Province Superintendent William Foufaka says, “After a long discussion both tribes agreed to refer the matter to the Kwaio Council of Chiefs to resolve.

“The two parties accepted the custom settlement with presentations of shell money and cash. They assured police that they would refrain from retaliation and any further escalation of the dispute. Both parties assured police they will respect advice from police and allow the legal land process take its course.”

Supervising PPC Superintendent Foufaka adds, “RSIPF also used the occasion to conduct awareness on COVID -19 and the process of resolving land disputes according to the country’s laws.”

“I would like to thank the people of Sinaragu and both tribes for their cooperation with the police in resolving the issue. RSIPF will continue to help and support our communities to make sure our people live a crime-free life,” says Superintendent Foufaka