Gamblers warned to stop gambling in public, face arrest next time

Officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) at City Response Unit (CRU) assisted White River Police and Honiara City Council (HCC) Law Enforcement Unit to serve letters to six people at the 01 Bus Stop area in White river for illegal gambling known as ‘TE KA PAS’.

Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Honiara City Superintendent John Matamaru says, “Complaints have reached the Commissioner’s office that “Te Ka Pas” gambling game is common and rapidly growing 24 hours and seven days a week at White river 01 bus stop and surrounding areas.”

PPC Matamaru says this activity attracts a huge number of people including drunkards which causes all sorts of public nuisance and disturbances to nearby residences.

“These gatherings are illegal and also not in accordance with the State of Public Emergency (SoPE) COVID-19,” adds Matamaru.

A strong warning has been issued to stop as of 3 August 2021 and the people concerned have agreed and are willing to comply, he said.

Whilst the team is still on the ground, some information came in that similar activity have also occurred at Banana Valley area. The team attended that area and found people actually playing. They were also advised to stop immediately.

“White River police are closely monitoring the areas of concern; arrest will be done if anyone fails to comply,” Matamaru emphasizes.

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