Police will remain on high alert to riot situation

The Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) Acting Police Commissioner Madam Juanita Matanga, have urged the people of Honiara in particular, to continue and keep the peace despite the situation on Friday that have shaken our country and disturbed the peace our people have enjoyed over the years. Police will remain on high alert and will continue to conduct its operation high visibility along the Honiara hot spot areas, including Henderson area, Lunga area, Panatina, Kukum labour line, Ranadi, China Town and Point Cruz commercial areas. The police high visibility operation will run into the week to monitor and assist our people in relation to the disturbances and false rumours, which left many people panicked and confused. Police updates: Riot situation arrests: Police have arrested a total of 21 accused male, 15 of them were charged with Arson and the rest were charged with unlawful assembly and alcohol related issues including drunk and disorderly, consuming liquor in public places and using abusive words. They have attended the Honiara Magistrate Court yesterday and were remanded in police custody. The men include; 3-Juvenile boys age from 16-17 yrs old. Five (5) Teenage boys age from 18-21yrs old and the rest are adults. The Police Operation High visibility will remain on high alert and police officers from all ranks have been mobilized to enter the street of Honiara on foot beat patrol and mobile patrols, through hot spot areas from Henderson to White River which operates from 9am up till 8pm tonight. RSIPF Acting Police Commissioner Juanita Matanga is urging the people of Honiara in particular to stay away from any further disturbances and call on all leaders to assist police “Members of the public are urged to continue their normal business today and keep the peace as usual.” “Police have met with the Chinese association and are lenient to return normal business as usual, as police will tighten up security along commercial and business houses at Ranadi areas to Point Cruz city centre. “Police have acknowledged the messages echoed throughout the weekend by members of all Radio stations and Media Association including the SIBC, Solomon Star, Island Sun, Sunday Isles and FM Stations. The prompt messages aired and read through these media channels for our people, have return them to their normal business and appeal to people “Police warn anyone to stay away from instigating people from getting involved in any unwanted criminal behaviour which may lead to further disturbances and meets the rule of law.” “The Police Operation since Friday will remain high and alert to deal with any situation if such arises but call the general public to remain calm and go about their business as usual.” Police can be contacted through the RSIPF Communication centre on phone: 23666 or police emergency line on phone: 999. Source: RSIPF Communication unit