Man arrested & charged for attacking police officer

Officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) at the Central Police Station in Honiara have arrested and charged a 30-year-old male suspect for the allegation of assaulting a police officer in Honiara on 11 April 2021.

An initial report said that between 6 and 7am, the victim was waiting at Mbokonavera 4 roadside to be picked up by a police patrol for morning shift duty at the Central Police Station when the incident happened. A statement from RSIPF says whilst waiting for the police patrol, the defendant appeared drunk and acted in a disorderly manner. The victim (police officer) then told the defendant to go and have his rest since he was very drunk and could not control himself. The defendant then told the police officer that he was the one looking for him and at the same time advanced towards him. It was alleged that the defendant then threw three punches at the victim using both hands, closed fists, and landed on police officer’s face. He also intimidated the victim during the time of incident.

Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Honiara City Superintendent John Matamaru says the suspect was arrested shortly after the incident and he was placed in police custody.

He adds that the suspect was dealt with accordingly and later released. He was charged with the offense of assault on a police officer contrary to section 190 of the Police Act 2013.”

The accused was released on bail to appear in the Honiara Central Magistrates’ Court today, 21 June 2021.