Police say they have yet to make any arrests over a series of violent incidents in the Belaha area of Central Guadalcanal despite reports of criminal attacks in recent days.
Villagers have reported an increase in home invasions and assaults, including the burning of a dump truck, purportedly by outsiders residing in nearby illegal settlements.
However, the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) media unit told In-depth Solomons that no arrests have been made because those reporting the incidents were unable to provide enough information to identify the suspects.
“The complainants were unable to confirm the suspects’ identities because the suspects were wearing face masks during the incidents, making it difficult to identify them,” police said in an email response to questions from In-depth Solomons.
“Police are working closely with communities in Belaha to identify those involved and bring them to justice.
“Regular patrols have also been conducted in Belaha following the incidents.”
Police have appealed to residents of Belaha and surrounding communities to come forward with any information that could assist investigations.
The latest attack occurred in the early hours of Wednesday when three knife-wielding men allegedly broke into a home, leaving the family deeply traumatised.
According to Central Guadalcanal youth leader Larry Viravira, the incident occurred near the Guadalcanal House of Prayer.
Viravira said the three suspects gained entry by cutting through the wire mesh of the house before confronting the family inside.
The ordeal turned terrifying when one of the occupants awoke to find an intruder holding a knife to her throat while demanding cash and mobile phones.
Viravira said the suspects fled with the stolen items before police arrived.
“Police responded to the incident, but the three attackers had already escaped into the darkness,” he said.
Viravira condemned the attack, describing it as a cowardly and life-threatening act.
“This was a brutal invasion of a family’s home, and we cannot stand by while our people live in fear,” he said.
Central Guadalcanal MP and Independent Group Leader Peter Shanel Agovaka has called for an urgent police crackdown on what he described as organised criminal networks operating in the area.
In a strongly worded statement, Agovaka warned that the escalating lawlessness was threatening public safety, discouraging investment and damaging Central Guadalcanal’s reputation.
“These are not isolated acts of disorder,” Agovaka said.
“They are organised criminals who have created fear and insecurity in our communities.”
He urged police to swiftly identify, arrest and prosecute those responsible, saying criminals should not expect protection through political connections, community ties or any other form of influence.
Opposition Leader Manasseh Sogavare also condemned the attacks.
