QUESTIONS have been raised against Noro Police who removed an excavator machine under the custody of Ringi police and returned it to JMH logging company in Western province last Friday.
Western Provincial Police Commander, George Guna said the excavator was kept under Ringi police’s protection after it had negotiated with Kolombangara Forest Plantation Limited (KFPL), whose employees removed it from the company two weeks ago.
Guna said KFPL’s employees took the excavator after the company’s excavator trespassed on its land to cut trees.
He said KFPL had already filed a criminal trespass case against the logging company.
However, one informer told the Solomon Star that Ringi Police officers were surprised to see Noro Response Unit led by its Provincial Commander Pisi Fono arrived with batons and handcuffs to remove the excavator from its compound.
“Why the machine is in custody of Ringi police and another police come and take it while investigation is still on,” the informer asked?
“The Noro police officers should treat their colleagues in Ringi as law enforcers.
“All police officers should remain neutral in their duties and not take sides,” the informer said.
Officer Commanding Noro, Elizabeth Tekaingo said her boys acted upon direction, but she did not know who had issued the direction.
PPC Guna said he was not aware of this operation but only aware of the issue between KFPL and the logging company.
However, the informer said the directives for the operation carried out by Noro police came from the headquarters in Honiara.
By EDDIE OSIFELO
