THE Atori police in East Malata have arrested a 58-year-old man for stabbing a 30-year-old man at Kwai and Ngongosila Island recently.
Police investigation revealed that the victim, a drunk catechist, provoked the suspect who was with a group of men and women preparing food for a program. The suspect warned the victim to leave the catering venue but he refused.
Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Malaita Province, Chief Superintendent Tex Tafoa said:
“It was alleged that the suspect, without hesitation, got hold of a knife file and stabbed the victim on his left rib.
“The victim was later rushed to Atoifi hospital for medical treatment and currently he is in a stable condition.”
“Police have attended to the stabbing incident and formally arrested the suspect and brought him to Auki police station.”
“The suspect has been charged with unlawful wounding contrary to section 229 of the penal code and appeared before the Auki Magistrates’ Court and remanded.”
The stabbing incident occurred when the Anglican community at Kwai and Ngongosila islands awaited the arrival of the Southern Cross with the Anglican Bishop of Malaita.
“This is really a sad and serious incident which happened during a church event. Such an event should be alcohol-free,” PPC Tafoa said.
PPC Tafoa appealed to the communities in Atori, Kwai, Ngongosila and Faumamanu and other communities in the eastern region to assist police in dealing with such crime.
He thanked the community members and church leaders of Kwai and Ngongosila island for their assistance in apprehending the suspect.
