Villagers ransack camp after loggers operate beyond boundary

A group of people from a village in Shortland Islands has ransacked a logging company and removed some valuable company properties on 23August 2021.

Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Western Province, Chief Superintendent Mathias Lenialu said the landowners took the action because they were not happy with the licensee of the company.

Lenialu said the landowners claimed that the logging company operated beyond the demarcated boundaries or simply trespassing.

He confirmed that police are investigating the matter and if they are satisfied with the investigation then arrest(s) and laying of charges will happen soon.

“I would like to make it very clear here that police respond to such matters because it is a crime. Any disappointments— there is a proper way of doing it. Such actions taken by the villagers in this particular case is already a criminal act and police will not tolerate it,” Lenialu said

He further appeals to parties involved in this matter to refrain from taking the laws into their own hands and allow police to deal with the issue.

Lenialu said it would good if those valuable properties belong to the company to are returned.

“Those who have information please assist police officers at Kulitanai Police Station. Kulitanai can be contacted on phone 44127 or call the police free toll line on phone 999,” Lenialu concluded.

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