RSIPF witness reconciliation of inmate and victim in Temotu Province

Officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) at Lata Police Station in Temotu Province witnessed a reconciliation ceremony between an inmate and a victim at Naban Village on the east coast of Santa Cruz Island on 4 September 2020.

Chiefs negotiated the reconciliation as part of the crime prevention strategy in Temotu province. The reconciliation started with a welcome to the inmate and RSIPF and Correctional Services Solomon Islands (CSSI) officers at Lata who escorted the inmate to the village. The program included a church service and feasting with the inmate and the victim.

Supervising Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Temotu Province Inspector Walter Leleina says, “I would like to thank the chiefs for successfully negotiating the reconciliation between the inmate and the victim. I urge the people of Temotu Province to resolve their disagreements in a manner that will not affect them and their families. If we can create problems that will divide us, we can also create solutions that can bring us back together again.”

“The law will always take its course should there be any incident that breaks any law of Solomon Islands.”

“The inmate was convicted with the offence of grievous harm contrary to section 226 of the Penal Code. The incident occurred on 22 November 2019 and the victim is the inmate’s immediate brother.”

“I appeal to members of the communities in Temotu Province to join hands to fight against crime to make the Province a safe, secure and peaceful place to live and enjoy,” says Inspector Leleina.