A MOTHER of five is calling for support and urges police to act quickly in arresting the person who burnt down her dwelling house.
Sililia Geu’s dwelling house at Kunu near the Malaita Provincial capital, Auki, was burnt to ashes last month by a young man whilst she was away in Honiara.
Mrs Geu told Solomon Star in an exclusive interview this week that she lost everything in the fire and became homeless as a result.
She said her 16-year-old daughter and another girl were at home when the man who appeared intoxicated went there on a Sunday night.
The man approached her daughter, asking her out but she refused his request.
Mrs Geu said the man then threatened the two girls and when they left the house, he set the house on fire and in doing so, stated that it was the reward for turning down his request.
The two girls then escaped to the Christian Care Centre for their safety.
When they returned in the morning, the house was gone with all their belongings.
The man then escaped to his home in Lau-Mbaelelea Constituency to avoid police arrest.
After Mrs Geu’s daughter alerted her mother about the incident, Mrs Geu returned to Auki and was heartbroken to see her house and all her belongings gone.
Since then, Mrs Geu and her children took shelter at the Christian Care Centre as they have nowhere else to go.
Mrs Geu told Solomon Star that the time permitted for them to stay at the Christian Care Centre is running out and that they have been instructed to move out anytime soon.
Being homeless and stressed, Mrs Geu said her only wish is for the police to arrest the culprit to face justice and for any kind-hearted organisation or people to help her build a new dwelling house for her and her children.
When asked if anyone has lent her support after the loss of her home, Mrs Geu said the Solomon Islands Red Cross in Auki has supported her with cups, plates and spoons.
In the meantime, Auki police are investigating the case and negotiating for the surrender of the suspect.
By WILSON SAENI
Solomon Star, Auki
