Police investigate alleged robbery at sea

Officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) are investigating an alleged robbery at sea between Ngella and Guadalcanal Islands yesterday 20 January 2019.

RSIPF Assistant Commissioner Provincial, Joseph Manelugu says, “A joint police operation involving officers from Tulagi in Central Province, Police Maritime and officers from Honiara City responded to a report alleging that two Asian businessmen were robbed of $300,000.00 at sea between Ngella and Guadalcanal islands on 20 January 2019.”

He adds: “Following initial police enquiries, it is alleged three men attacked the two Asian businessmen at sea while they were travelling on a boat from Honiara to Tulagi and got away with the large amount of money.”

“I appeal to the general public, especially sea travelers between Ngella Islands, in the Central Province and Guadalcanal Island to come forward with any information that may assist police with their investigations into the incident,” says AC Manelugu.

It is alleged that the robbery took place around 4:30 pm on 20 January 2019 at sea, and the three suspects escaped in a blue ray boat.

Police is yet to recover the stolen money, but four people are being questioned in connection with the incident.

“Police condemn the action of those responsible and caution the public not to take large amounts of money in their possession while travelling without proper security,” says AC Manelugu.

Public can provide information anonymously to police to these contact phone numbers: Tulagi Central Province- 32999/32117; Honiara Central Police – 22999/ 22551/23304, or to Police Communication Centre -23666/999 toll free line; may email information to rsipf.media@rsipf.gov.sb or RSIPF-PoliceCommunications@sig.gov.sb