Police in Malaita investigate arson in West Are’Are

Police in Auki is investigating the recent arson of a vehicle at the Wairokai Logging Camp in West Are’Are, Malaita Province.

Supervising Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Malaita Province, Inspector Peter Kinita says, “My office was briefed yesterday, 14 January 2019 on the incident of the burning of a Hilux vehicle owned by the Camp Manager of the Wairokai Logging Camp.”

He adds: “A case has been established and investigations have begun after investigators and officers were deployed yesterday (14 January 2019).”

He says, “I have also been briefed that the suspects allegedly threw stones at two of my officers as they tried to create dialogue with the different parties involved at Bairai Village early this afternoon (15 January 2019).”

“I appeal to suspects involved in the attack on my officers to surrender to police, and at the same time ask parties involved in the dispute to assist the police investigate the matter and not to resort to any further violence,” says Supervising PPC Kinita.

The PPC has sent additional officers to strengthen his team investigating the incident and also engage with the community.

It is alleged the arson is related to a dispute over land that the logging company is currently operating.