Rural communities help Police arrest Malaita youths with homemade guns

Auki Police in Malaita Province have arrested three youths on Wednesday 10 January 2007, in relation to an unlawful wounding incident at Kwaisuliniu Village in the West Kwara’ae area.

The arrest was made following a successful operation mounted in the late hours on Tuesday 9 to the early hours of Wednesday 10 January. The youths’ ages are 14, 17 and 19 years old respectively. During the operation the house occupied by the youths was searched and a factory manufactured crossbow and a homemade pistol that could discharge a .22 rifle bullet were found and confiscated.

The youths have been charged with Unlawful Wounding and Obstructing Police officer on duty. They have also been charged under the Liquor Act following the discovery of "Kwaso" (locally distilled homebrew) production equipment in the house that they occupy. Police expects to lay additional charges in relation to the weapons found with them as the investigation progresses.

The Acting Police Commander Auki, Inspector John Walenenea, praises the Solomon Islands Police Force officers and RAMSI military personnel for their hard work and dedication and he also acknowledges the support of the community.

“I am pleased to see the hard work and dedication of the officers serving here in Auki in maintaining law and order in the province. The tremendous support provided by the New Zealand Army deployed to Auki under RAMSI shows the importance of working together to create a better and safer place for everyone,” he added.

“I sincerely convey my gratitude to community chiefs and elders who have greatly assisted police in our operation and investigation. We have come this far because we work together and support each other,” Inspector John Walenea said.

Source: SIPF