An off-duty police officer died after he was reportedly stabbed on his left eye inside a Kukum seaside pub in capital Honiara last night.

A statement the police issued this afternoon says the officer was on an evening outing  with a colleague and his wife when a person came to their table and assaulted the colleague’s wife.

“The officer was attacked by the suspect while his colleague took his wife to safety outside of the pub,” the statement said.

He was rushed to the National Referral Hospital (NRH) shortly after the incident but was pronounced dead a little later.

Police Commissioner Mostyn Mangau said the deceased, who he has not named, served under the National Respond Department (NRD) as a Police Response Team (PRT) Operator.

Mangau said nine suspects have been apprehended for further questioning while investigations into the alleged murder incident continues.

He appeals to anyone who witnessed the incident to come forward and report it. 

“You can contact Central Police Station on phone 22999 or call the toll-free toll line on phone 999.

 “My condolence to the family members and relatives for the loss of their loved one during this time of bereavement,” Mangau added.

Meanwhile, police officers in Auki, Malaita, have arrested a suspect from his home village with the assistance of village elders and chiefs on 14 May 2024.

The suspect reportedly escaped to his village after allegedly taking part in a murder incident outside the Scorpion pub at Kukum Highway in Honiara.

Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Honiara City Chief Superintendent Jimson Robo says the alleged murder incident took place in the early hours of 12May 2024.

“The deceased and his wife left the pub and were making a phone call when a male person grabbed the deceased wife’s phone and ran off,” Robo said.

“The deceased ran after the male person and was assaulted by a group of boys at the road heading up to Florence Young School,” Chief Superintendent Robo adds.

“The 27-years-old suspect was identified by witnesses as a member of the group of boys who attacked the deceased.”

He said the suspect is currently in Auki police custody awaiting to be taken to Honiara for further dealings. 

An autopsy has been conducted and will form part of police investigation. 

Robo appeals to those at the scene to assist with information for possible identification of other suspects.