Malaita’s Bank South Pacific in Auki resumes business yesterday after the robbery on 27 November in which three armed men wearing ski-masks raided the teller’s bench and took off with more than $200,000.
The robbery which happened 11:25am forced the bank to close its doors for the rest of the day with only ATM machine providing service.
Branch Manager Gordon Ifuimae said they resumed business and everything is back to normalcy.
“My staff are back to work and continue to render services.
“I received advice from the head office in Honiara to open doors for the customers.”
The branch Manager said only few of his staff will be on leave after the incident.
“Few will be given time out for post-trauma grounds and expected to continue work soon.”
He revealed that arrangement have also been to deal with the post-robbery which bosses in Honiara will decide upon.
As understand the bank for the past years does not employ security guards manning the building. The public also claimed the lack of CCTV camera makes it a possible target for the robbers.
Mr Ifuimae said that they will meet sometimes to discuss security measures to be put in place.
The Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) also condemned in the strongest term the robbery over the weekend.
A statement released by the Central Bank, calls on Malaita National and Provincial leaders to condemn and speak out against this unlawful action, and for the government and police to consider strengthening intelligence and security around financial insitutions as this is the third and most serious robbery of a bank in a space of only 24-months.
“This is a very disturbing incident,” the bank said in a statement.
“It is an issue that must be addressed immediately as the actions of a few will not only affect the industry as a whole but greatly affect the banking public in Malaita in terms of accessing financial services,” the statement added.
“The fact that this was an armed robbery is very serious and shows that high level activities is slowly creeping back into our society.
“We appeal to the Malaita provincial government and the people of Malaita to assist the police to apprehend those involved in this crime as soon as possible.”
This latest robbery incident comes after an earlier attack early this year at the former Westpac branch at Point Cruz in Honiara, where a security officer was seriously injured.
For Malaita province this is the first of its kind robbery incident.
In the meantime, RSIPF and PPF officers are intensifying their investigations for the three armed robbers who were last seen at Gwouno’a village in Central Kwara’ae after abandoning their escape car.
By TEDDY KAFO
In Auki
