Police investigate bloody ridge incident
File Photo
The Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) has launched an investigation into an incident, which occurred at the commemoration ceremony of the 80th Anniversary of the battle on Guadalcanal at bloody ridge on Monday 8 August.
The incident involved a local attacking a Japanese military man with a pair of scissors. The Japanese, who is the media person for the Japanese delegation to the commemoration, sustained minor injury as a result.
The attacker was arrested on the spot after the attack and is now in police custody.
According to the psychiatric doctor who has identified the attacker as one of their patient and has informed the police that the attacker took his last medication since March.
Like any other public official programs, locals are not restricted from witnessing them. The attacker was one of the locals who joined and witnessed the service. The service was a peaceful and emotional program and it is unfortunate that this incident occurred.
The police empathise with the Japanese Embassy in Honiara over this unexpected incident.
Police urged families who look after mentally ill family members to take good care of them and to ensure they completed their prescribed medical requirements.
Members of the public who are aware of the status of those who presented risks to the public can help protect public safety.