Argument over outboard motor engine leads to death of man on Christmas Day 

An argument that started over an outboard motor engine led to the death of a male person on 25 December 2021 at Komboli village in east Guadalcanal.  

Police say at around 4pm on 25 December, the deceased was drinking alcohol with the suspect and three other male persons. 

“During that time, they started an argument over an outboard motor engine funded by the Member of Parliament east Guadalcanal Constituency through a community project. 

“It was alleged that during the argument, the suspect firmly grabbed the throat of the deceased for over a minute,” Assistant Commissioner (AC) National Operations Evelyn Thugea told local journalists in a press conference today.

AC Thugea said bystanders intervened and managed to separate the victim from the suspect.

“The victim later walked back to his house with blood running down his nose and mouth, he collapsed on the ground before reaching his house.

“His eldest son ran and grabbed him and applied a Cardiopulmonary resuscitation – CPR or first aid but was unsuccessful,” the Assistant Commissioner said. 

She said the victim was later taken to the clinic but the nurse pronounced his death when he arrived at the clinic.

Guadalcanal Police at Henderson arrested the suspect and he was charged with one count of murder contrary to Section 200 of the Penal Code, Chapter 26.

He was remanded at Rove Correctional Services and will appear in the Honiara Magistrate Court on 12 January 2022.

“Investigation into the alleged murder continues and we appeal to those that present during the time of the murder incident to come forward with information that will assist Police with their investigation,” said AC Thugea. 

She adds: “My condolences to the families of the deceased for their loss. We must drink responsibly and act responsibly when we are under the influence of alcohol.

Those with information on this alleged murder can call Tetere Police Station on phone 34508 or Henderson Police on 36201.