By Georgina Maka’a

Police will start removing dark tints on public vehicles in Honiara from tomorrow onwards.

The decision came in response to fear and unease hovering over Honiara since last week in the wake of reports of attempted abductions of children by certain individuals.

Police Commissioner Mostyn Mangau told reporters today that they will be working with Honiara City Council (HCC) Law Enforcement Officers to remove those dark tints.

Mangau said public vehicle owners who refused to comply will be fined.

“We are taking this measure to address the concerns, doubts, and suspicions regarding the current situation in the country,” the police chief said.

He explained that there are existing ordinances under the Honiara City Council (HCC) that require enforcement agencies to take action, and the police will support the HCC to remove the dark tints.

“A major police operation will commence tomorrow. 

“The current operation we are conducting aims to swiftly address the issue of reported abductions across the city.

“The operation will continue until December this year.”

The police chief added they are working with the city council to combat the rise of misinformation and disinformation on social media.

Mangau stated that front-line police officers have been activated to address these emerging issues, which misled the community and caused unnecessary fear.

He confirmed that out of all the allegations posted on social media police have received two reports of attempted abductions since Friday, but there have been no reports of missing persons or children.

 “We have only received reports of attempted abductions at Betikama and Kukum SDA schools,” he said.

Mangau reminded the public that the police will investigate claims made on social media, and if those claims were false, they will charge the individuals responsible for spreading false information.

Meanwhile, Mangau was unable to provide an update on the arrests police made last Friday.

Instead, he said their investigations are still on-going.