FORMER POLICE OFFICER LODGED CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION REPORT
RSIPF Commissioner Frank Prendergast. Photo credit: SIBC.
A former senior officer of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force Mr Joseph Baetolongia has lodged a report before the Police Commissioner, Mr. Frank Prendergast for a criminal investigation into alleged acts of corruption against the West Kwaio MP, Peter Tom.
Mr Baetolongia who unsuccessfully contested the West Kwaio constituency national general election says he made the report on behalf of other unsuccessful candidates and the majority of voters in the constituency who voted against Mr Tom.
In the report, Mr Baetolongia calls for fair, proper and independent investigations to ensure justice for all.
He adds, although criminal investigations are rarely conducted into election offences in the country, the criminal law has always been at the disposal of the people to report such cases.
Mr Baetolongia believes, with Prendergast’s emerging strong leadership at a time when corruption is rife in the country, the Commissioner should under his constitutional powers adopt a strong operational policy to prioritise investigations into allegations of political corruption.
He says Solomon Islanders have been deprived of their resources, good leadership and national growth.