ATOIFI police post in east Malaita will close down tomorrow because of threats from a landowner.
The landowner threatened the two officers there after police raided his illegal bottle shop at the end of last month.
Outgoing Malaita Provincial Police Commander Alfred Uiga confirmed this to the Solomon Star on Wednesday.
He said the bottle shop owner threatened to kill the two officers manning the post after the raid of his illegal bottle shop.
Mr Uiga said the two officers manning the station will be relocated to the nearby Atori police station.
“This police post was established at the request of the people of Atoifi,” Mr Uiga said.
“But since our officers have been threatened by a member of the community and there’s no guarantee of their safety, we have no option but to close down the post,” he added.
“I understand the majority of people wanted police presence in the community.
“However, unless the threat is lifted, we have to go.”
During the raid, police confiscated 22 cartons of illegally-sold beer.
Mr Uiga called on the chiefs of east Kwaio and the provincial government to address the issue.
By BIRIAU WILSON SAENI
in Auki
