7 suspects on the run after attacking police and electoral officers

Seven suspects who last week attacked a truck, two police officers and a government worker are still on the run in Malaita.

Deputy commissioner of Police Ian Vaevaso revealed today that his officers came under attack when they tried to discourage the seven, all youths, not to block public road and demanded money from passing vehicles.

According to Vaevaso, the seven suspects had erected a roadblock at Bira Bridge, West Kwaio, and demanded money from transport providers on 10^th September 2022.

He explained that two officers of RSIPF were part of an Electoral Commission awareness team in Wards 26 and 27 in West Kwaio and were on their way to Auki when the incident happened.

“When they arrived at Bira Bridge they met seven youths, drunk and demanded money from passing vehicles. When the officers saw that they obstructed public transport they intervened and explained to them not to do it.

“The youths then confronted the RISPF officers with a bush knife and stoned them,” said Vaevaso.

They also damaged the vehicle, which was only hired by the Electoral Commission, with damages to its window screen and left side mirror.

“Fear for their safety, the officers withdrew and returned to Auki,” he said.

He said a police investigation team had travelled to the area but the youths had escaped from the place.

Vaevaso has appealed to the youths to surrender of they’ll face the full force of the law.

He also asked church, community, and other leaders in the area to help them arrest the suspects.

News@SBMOnline2022