Dear Editor – Last week I rang the OIC of Seghe Police to report an alleged Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) case that happened in my small village in Central Marovo Lagoon.
The Seghe OIC’s response was not only sad but also unbelievable.
He told me that he was the only officer manning the station.
All his officers had to be dispatched to other stations since there was no decent accommodation for them at Seghe.
Secondly, there was no petrol to travel by OBM and make the arrest. Even if an arrest was made, there was no cell to lock the assailant up at Seghe Police Station.
That was so disheartening for me especially after having devoted almost thirty years as a lawyer fighting for law and justice.
The alleged crime occurred in my hamlet and the Police were totally ill-equipped to assist.
Meanwhile, the assailant roams around freely causing stress and fear amongst the small community dwellers.
What is the Police Commissioner doing to tackle this problem? Please don’t give us that “my hands are tied” crap.
Not too long ago, the Commissioner painted a splendid picture of a fully manned and functional Seghe Police Station. Either he deliberately lied or his subordinates submitted a false report to him.
Sir, Seghe is the Marovo Constituency’s Police Station. That Constituency is as large as the three Isabel Constituencies combined.
It should be accorded the same status as Buala Provincial Police Headquarters in terms of manpower resources etc.
I believe the Seghe Police OIC’s story. I doubt any arrest will be made regarding my complaint unless I help to finance the arresting party’s expenses, which is totally wrong in principle.
Meanwhile, the ‘lone ranger’ at Seghe Police Station continues to enjoy his long holiday breaks just waiting for the next pay day when he will borrow petrol and travel to Batuna BSP agency to withdraw his holiday allowances.
God bless Solomon Islands.
Maelyn Bird
Honiara
