THE Honiara Magistrate Court recently handled a total of 30 plus disposal cases as part of the ongoing efforts by the Honiara City Council (HCC) Law Enforcement Division to curb unlawful activities in the city.
This initiative is part of HCC’s broader commitment to maintaining law and order to ensure public safety and promote a cleaner and more organised city.
The court ordered the defendants to pay their fines before 3 pm and during the sentencing, Principal Magistrate Ishmael Kekou strongly ordered that any similar cases in the future would expect a higher penalty if people do not abide by the laws given by HCC.
HCC Prosecutor Ambrose Motui explained that these cases involve the selling of betelnut in a betelnut-free zone contrary to section 7(b) of (betel nut) ordinance 2023, hawking in a public place without a hawker’s license contrary to Section 3(1) of the HCC principal hawker’s ordinance and Section 3(2) of the Honiara City Council (Hawkers)(Amendment) Ordinance 2023 and short route buses, which is contrary to HCC’s Business Ordinance.
He said 15 cases were further adjourned because the defendants did not appear in court, but a warrant of arrest was issued by the court and that a further adjournment for the review of the warrant will be on the 14March.
“A total of 19 warrant review cases were mentioned at the magistrate court, however, officers from the investigation unit have yet to do the execution of the warrant and arrest of defendants. The prosecution seeks further adjournment to allow time for the warrant execution. The court adjourns all matters for 21 days for warrant review on the 14th of March 2025 at 9 am,” HCC Prosecutor Mr Motui said.
The enforcement operation targets various offenses, including illegal street vending of betelnuts and cigarettes, public nuisances and other activities that disrupt the city’s peace and order.
HCC Law Enforcement Director Robert Madeo said HCC Law Enforcement officers have been actively monitoring and apprehending offenders so as to ensure that those violating city regulations are held accountable.
Mr Madeo explained the recent court proceedings are a testament to the Council’s firm stance on enforcing municipal laws and fostering a safer environment for residents and businesses.
He emphasised the importance of compliance with city laws and urged the public to cooperate with law enforcement efforts.
“The Honiara City Council remains committed to enforcing regulations that protect the well-being of our residents. We urged everyone to abide by the law and support our efforts to make Honiara a better place for all,” Mr Madeo added.
Mr Madeo said the HCC Law Enforcement Division will continue its operations, with more cases expected to be brought before the courts in the coming weeks.
HCC encourages residents to report any unlawful activities and supports efforts to uphold law and order in Honiara.
– HCC
