GUADALCANAL Provincial (GP) Government has condemned in the strongest terms the manner in which police have conducted their operation in East Tasimboko, resulting in the death of a young man.
Relatives of the deceased claimed that the young man was manhandled by police and then he ran off and later was found dead floating in the river.
Deputy Premier of Guadalcanal Province, Rolland Seleso, said the province condemned in the strongest term the manner in which the police have conducted their operation resulting in the death of the young man.
“Until an investigation is conducted to ascertain the truth about the incident, the province is of the opinion that police have been reckless during the course of their raid,” Mr Seleso stated.
“Their irresponsibility and apparent negligence in the way they have conducted their operation is testified and affirmed with the death of the young man,” Hon. Seleso added.
The Deputy Premier calls on the Police Commissioner to stand aside and allow an independent investigation team to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of the deceased.
“Province urges the hierarchy of the Police force to stand aside and allow an independent investigating team to be appointed by government to investigate the cause of the death,” Mr Seleso reaffirmed.
He also suggested that the Police need to relook and properly examine their approach to apprehend criminals within the jurisdiction of Guadalcanal Province or any Province for that matter.
“This brute force tactic should be the last resort in the event a suspect is unwilling to cooperate and submit to non- violent approach.
“Police should approach community, Provincial and national leaders first and foremost to address any situation of criminal nature.
“As leaders we know how to talk with our people in a way that will not trigger ill feelings and frustration, it is part of job to act as arbitrator in any tense situation under any circumstances,” the deputy premier added.
Mr Seleso urged the Police force to rethink the “brute force approach” and consider involving leaders across all sectors when dealing with cases of sensitive nature.
Meanwhile, he called on the people of East Tasimboko to refrain from taking the law into their own hands and allow justice to take its rightful course.
“On behalf of the Provincial Assembly Members, I urge the people of East Tasimboko to respect the laws of the land and stop any intimidation against Police officers and their families.
“While Province shares the sympathy and sorrow that the relatives of the deceased have gone through at this time of bereavement, we must also cultivate the belief that justice must take its rightful course,” he said.
