Police yet to make arrest of riot instigators
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) is yet to arrest the alleged instigators of the recent violent riot in Honiara.
Members of the Police Response Team (PRT) fire tear gas to disperse crowd during the November 2021 civil unrest. Photo: Simon Tavake
This is according to the Assistant Commissioner Crime and Intelligence, Patricia Leta while responding to a question by SIBC News during a press conference yesterday.
She said the National Criminal Investigation Department (NCID) of the RSIPF is still investigating that matter.
“Investigation is continuing as we have to ensure we have evidence before we can make an arrest”, Leta said.
Leta also confirmed that the recent detention of local businessman and Political Party leader, John Kwaita was also related to the November 2021 unrest.
But the Crime and Intelligence Assistant Commissioner said she will not comment further on that at the moment when further asked.
Leta said she will not reveal the number of instigators of the recent unrest who are under police radar as investigations are still continuing.
In relation to those involved in looting and rioting, the Police Commissioner Mostyn Mangau said more than 200 people have so far been arrested.
Mangau said the arrests and recovery of items that were looted during the recent civil unrest on November 24, 25 and 26, 2021 is still ongoing and Honiara City Police are engaging in that investigation.
He also informed the local media conference yesterday that items that were recovered had been securely stored in three containers. Some at the Central Police Station in Honiara.
The Police Chief could not reveal the total value of the stored items, but said that they were fully recorded by his officers.
by Jared Koli