72 arrested including 6 women as houses burnt down in WP

Officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) in Western Province have arrested 72 people including six females in relation over an arson incident in the Western Province on Independence Day (Wednesday last week).

Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Western Province Chief Superintendent Mathias Lenialu in a statement this afternoon states that three dwelling houses were burnt down and another three were looted and completely destroyed.

He said police have responded to the arson incident, stabilized the situation and rushed the casualties to Helena Goldie Hospital for further treatment.

Lenilau adds one of them has sustained serious wounds and currently admitted at the Helena Goldie Hospital.

He also confirmed that the families were left homeless, with no food and shelter.

According to police, the motive behind the arson incident was the ongoing tension between Christian Fellowship Church (CFC) members who split in to group A and B.

Lenialu says police managed to control and calmed the tense situation adding that community chiefs were reached to assist police on the matter and during the meeting, the community allowed the police to carry out their duties that led to the successful arrests.

Investigation into this matter continues and and Lenialu appeals to anyone with information regarding this arson to come forward and assist them. They can contact Gizo Police on phone 60999 or Munda Police on phone 62189 or police free toll line on phone 999.