Kwaita forgives his captors following arrest
BUSINESSMAN John Kwaita has spoken out for the first time since he was released from police custody two days ago, declaring he has forgiven his captors while in custody because it was demanded of him by God.
“My dignity is tucked away, hidden in the God that I serve. I have forgiven them all in my heart while in custody, God demanded of me.
“So in a nutshell, I went in good … and came out great. Blessed be His Name,” Mr. Kwaita said in a social media posting.
He said he was overwhelmed by the prayers and thoughts for him while he was in custody.
“I am so overwhelmed by the prayers and thoughts for me and my family during my recent ordeal. I cannot thank you enough, so grateful indeed.”
Mr Kwaita described his ordeal as a “terrible experience that could easily break a person down, “but God was with me …”
“On Monday evening I was placed in police custody in a cell block meant for criminals. I am not perfect … but God sees my heart
“It was a terrible experience that could easily break a person down, but God was with me despite the undignified feeling that presented itself, which could well be the main goal? Little did they know that I never glory in the flesh!
“I cannot go into details of the charges that were thrown at me since it’s before the courts now, but the charges were “Unauthorised Public Assemblies & Public Processions in Emergency Zones.” And I deny all these
“I will appear in court on the 2nd February 2022.”
Mr. Kwaita appealed for calm and respect for the law in allowing justice to take its course.
“I know a lot of people are unhappy about what’s been done to me, including my families, tribesmen/women … including my Malaita family. So I call for calm and the respect of law allowing justice to be served accordingly.
“I am ok … now that I am home with family and missed my pigs
“Please let’s focus now on Christ who is truly the reason for the Season. Merry Christmas to ALL families and especially the children across these islands that we call home, and beyond. Tagio tumas and God bless.”
Mr. Kwaita is the President of the United Party – Peter Kenilorea Jnr is the Parliamentary Wing Leader of the Party, which his father founded in the 70s.
He is the first leader to be arrested since the political uprising, which erupted in Honiara on Monday 24th November, causing hundreds of millions of dollars in damages and looting.
Some 500 individuals have spoken up in support of Mr. Kwaita’s testimony, which appeared on social media yesterday.
More than 200 men, largely young people have been taken into police custody for their alleged part in looting and burning of Chinatown, Kukum and Ranadi shops and buildings.
By ALFRED SASAKO
Newsroom, Honiara
