Man burns down his brother’s house after brawl in WP

Permanent house burnt down to ashes during Christmas Eve, police arrest a suspect

 An adult male has burnt down his elder brother’s permanent  permanent dwelling house on Christmas Eve at Sambora village in Vella La Vella Island, Western Province.

Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Western Province, Chief Superintendent Mathias Lenialu says based on investigation, it was a family matter between the suspect and his brother and their nephew.

“On that night before the incident occurred, a fight broke out in the village between the suspect and his nephew. When they were still fighting each other his elder brother who is the victim of the burning incident stepped in and tried to separate the suspect and their nephew.  The suspect was very angry when his brother stepped in and helped their nephew,” said Lenialu.

He added during that night the suspect was very angry and searched for his brother and his nephew to fight them. He looked everywhere in the village shouting and swearing at them.

“After he searched for his brother and could not find him, the suspect went to his house and took a black container containing petrol and went straight to the victim’s room and lit up the house,” said the PPC for Western Province.

The suspect was released from the cell and dealt with accordingly.

He was charged with one count of arson and one count of common assault. He was released on bail and will appear on 26 February 2024 at Gizo Magistrate’s Court.

RSIPF Media Unit statement