Drivers, illegal street vendors fined by court

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Bus drivers who operated on illegal short route bus stops and vendors selling betelnut in a betel nut-free zone were amongst those who were arrested, charged and fined by the Magistrates court recently.

As part of its push to tackle those who breach its ordinances, the HCC has arrested and charged several people ending up with them being fined and warned by the court.

The Honiara City Magistrate Court recently handled a total of 30 plus disposal cases as part of the ongoing efforts by the Honiara City Council Law Enforcement Division to curb unlawful activities in the city.

This initiative is part of HCC’s broader commitment to maintaining law and order, ensuring public safety, and promoting a cleaner and more organized city.

The court ordered the defendants to pay their fines before 3 pm and during the sentencing, Principal Magistrate Ishmael Kekou strongly ordered that any similar cases in the future would expect a higher punishment if people are not abiding by the laws given by the authority, Honiara City Council.

The HCC Prosecutor Ambrose Motui explained that these cases are selling betel nuts in a betel nut-free zone contrary to section 7(b) of (betel nut) ordinance 2023, hawking in a public place without a hawker’s license contrary to Section 3(1) of the HCC principal hawker’s ordinance and Section 3(2) of the Honiara City Council (Hawkers)(Amendment) Ordinance 2023, and the short route buses, which is contrary to HCC’s Business Ordinance.

He said, 15 cases were further adjourned for a later date because the defendants did not appear in court, a warrant of arrest was issued by the court, and further adjournment for warrant review will be on the 14^th of March 2025.

“A total of 19 warrant review cases were mentioned at the magistrate court, however, officers from the investigation unit have yet to do the execution of the warrant and arrest of defendants. The prosecution seeks further adjournment to allow time for the warrant execution. The court adjourns all matters for 21 days for warrant review on the 14^th of March 2025 at 9 am,” HCC Prosecutor Mr. Motui uttered.

The enforcement operation targets various offenses, including illegal street vending of betel nuts, and cigarettes, public nuisances, and other activities that disrupt the city’s peace and order.

HCC Law Enforcement officers have been actively monitoring and apprehending offenders, ensuring that those violating city regulations are held accountable, said HCC Law Enforcement Director Mr. Robert Madeo.

Mr. Madeo explained the recent court proceedings are a testament to the Council’s firm stance on enforcing municipal laws and fostering a safer environment for residents and businesses.

He emphasized the importance of compliance with city laws and urged the public to cooperate with law enforcement efforts.

“The Honiara City Council remains committed to enforcing regulations that protect the well-being of our residents. We urged everyone to abide by the law and support our efforts to make Honiara a better place for all,” Mr. Madeo expressed.

The HCC Law Enforcement Division will continue its operations, with more cases expected to be brought before the courts in the coming weeks, said Madeo.

The Council encourages residents to report any unlawful activities and supports efforts to uphold law and order in Honiara.

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