Families reconcile following killing of mother with 30 shell-money & $50k paid in ceremony

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In a quiet leaf-hut at the Central Police Station in Honiara, words of remorsefulness were echoed and accepted as parties of the deceased of recent killing of a Malaitan mother reconciled with that of the suspect from Guadalcanal and Choiseul on Tuesday afternoon.

The MP for North East Guadalcanal, Jamie Vokia, where the killing took place said they came with heavy heart and wanted the relationship to be mended again.

“This afternoon I am in grief with you—with heavy heart,” he added, when addressing the ceremony.

Also, present was the MP for South Choiseul and the Minister of Education and Human Resources Tozen Leokana who said when he knew that the suspect was half Choiseul from Boe Village, which is in his constituency, he stepped in to participate in the reconciliation ceremony.

As part of the reconciliation, the two ministers with the support of the minister of fisheries and MP for East Guadalcanal Bradley Tovosia and their relatives handed over 30 talifuae (shell money) and $50,000 to the relatives of the deceased who was named as Salome Suri.

“What we have given you today is a bridge—it’s to enable you to lay our sister, mother and daughter to rest,” said Vokia.

He added: “To also ensure we have peace and live together again as Solomon Islanders.”

Leokana thanked the relatives of the deceased for accepting to come forward to discuss peaceful ways resulting in today’s ceremony.

“I thank you for accepting our apologies on behalf of the people of South Choiseul,” said Leokana.

The ceremony was witnessed by the minister of police, Jimson Tanangada, who in expressing his condolences to the family of the victim—commended both parties for coming together in the reconciliation ceremony.

“We appreciate the uniqueness and the significant of our cultures,” he said. Tananga said following cultural ceremony, “I encourage both sides to live and move freely so us the public.”

Salome was alleged to have been raped before being killed last Wednesday in North East Guadalcanal.

A suspect, 18-year-old, male has been arrested.

Minister of Planning and the MP for Fataleka Rex Ramofafia said it was tough but his people have accepted the cultural ceremony.

“I appeal to my people to respect what is given,” said Ramofafia.

Speaking on behalf of the relatives of Salome, Dr Christian Ramofafia, who is also the permanent secretary of fisheries said today is no ordinary day, “we have a lot of emotions but is also a day we all committed to peace.”

“I stand to say thank you for the presentation, it is actually beyond what we have expected,” he said.

“We accept it in our hearts,” added Ramofafia.

He further stated that it was only possible because of true leaders “are leading our people.”

Dr Ramofafia explained that any anger from his side has ended following the payment of the tafuliae.

He said in Malaitan culture, in whatever trouble, when shell money is paid, it ends the problem and peace is restored.

The ministers meanwhile have thanked brothers Dr. Ramofafia and Senior Government employee Thomas Bebeu for leading the relatives of the deceased in finding a peaceful solution resulting in today’s reconciliation.

The deceased Salome, 29, from Forau village, North East Malaita in the Fataleka Constituency will be taken to her final resting place for burial at the end of this week.

News@SBMOnline2025