RSIPF Officers in Auki, Malaita Province are continuing with their investigations into the burning of homes and looting of property at a settlement near Maoro Village in Central Kwara’ae on 1 August as the 20 suspects are released on bail on holding charges of unlawful assembly under the Penal Code.
All the 20 suspects were all released on cash bail of $150.00 each on condition they report to their nearest police station including Auki Police, Atori Police Station and Central Police Station on Fridays and they do not re-offend. The matter will be brought before the court on 23 August.
In the meantime, Auki police are continuing their investigations with the possibility of other charges being laid against the 20 suspects based on further evidence being gathered.
The burning incident at a settlement near Maoro Village happened on the afternoon of 1 August 2017 after 20 men from East Kwara’ae appeared at the settlement demanding compensation for the life of a woman who passed away last month believed to be killed by evil spirit according to their cultural beliefs. The deceased woman, from East Kwara’ae was a teacher posted at a school near Maoro Village.
After the person suspected of using sorcery to kill the woman was not able to meet their demand, it is alleged that the 20 men burnt down two residential houses and a kitchen built with sago palm leaves. It is further alleged that the group of mean looted live chickens and destroyed fruit trees at the settlement.
Auki Police, who arrived at the settlement after they were notified, were able to arrest the 20 men as they were travelling back on a vehicle to the provincial capital.