RSIPF farewells late Inspector Stephen Niuhavi

Officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) farewelled their colleague, the late Inspector Stephen Niuhavi, during a send-off service at St Alban’s Church in Honiara following his passing on 22 August 2026.

Speaking at the service, Acting RSIPF Commissioner Mr James Aitorea said, “I am humbled to stand here on behalf of all ranks and files of the RSIPF throughout the Solomon Islands to pay our respects to the late Inspector Niuhavi.

"I am at a loss for words to express the sadness we all feel at the loss of one of our own. I would like to inform his relatives and friends that we are greatly saddened by the unfortunate passing of the late Inspector Stephen Niuhavi," said Commissioner Aitorea.

Acting Commissioner Aitorea added, “The late Inspector Niuhavi rendered over two decades of faithful and meritorious service to the RSIPF following his enlistment as a police recruit on 13 August 2001.

“Throughout his career, he served in a wide range of operational, administrative and strategic appointments, demonstrating an enduring dedication to the mission, values and professional standards of the RSIPF.”

Commissioner Aitorea said, “The passing of the late Niuhavi has brought to an end a fulfilling and distinguished career. Let me assure his relatives and friends that the RSIPF salutes him and will continue to remember the legacy he has left behind, his positive contributions to the RSIPF and his excellent leadership in the field of policing in the country.

“We valued his contributions to the RSIPF and the people of Solomon Islands. The length of time he served in the RSIPF was highly commendable and honoured by all ranks and files of the RSIPF. He unselfishly served the people of this country by enlisting in the RSIPF to protect life and property and to maintain law and order.”

At the time of his passing, Inspector Niuhavi was serving as the Officer Commanding (OC) of the White River Police Station.

Acting Commissioner Aitorea said, “It is sad to note that his untimely passing is not only a loss to his wife, relatives and the communities of Buma in Isabel Province, but also a tremendous loss to the RSIPF.”