A JOINT task force comprising of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) and the Participating Police Force (PPF) have been deployed to investigate the shooting incident on Mbike Island in Ngella which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
According to reports, an armed group of men stormed Mbike Island resorted where several MPs (Members of Parliament) from the Democratic Coalition for Change (DCC) have camped the night prior to the Prime Minister’s election and damaged a boat believed to have transported them.
Police Commissioner, Frank Prendergast yesterday confirmed that several guns had been used in the incident and that the Joint Task Force has made the matter its top priority.
“We have received reports that in the early hours of today (yesterday) morning a boat was damaged on Mbike Island.
“We can confirm that the boat was damaged by gunshots. This was the same boat used to transport a number of MPs earlier in the day.
“A joint task force comprising of both the RSIPF and the PPF are onto the matter and taking it very seriously,” Mr Prendergast said.
Mr Prendergast said that at this stage, Police cannot confirm the motive behind the attack or the types of guns used in the attack.
Asked if petrol bombs were also used in the attack as was reported to this paper, Mr Prendergast said that it may have been used, however not confirming the type of bomb or ordinance used as investigations were still continuing.
“Our personnel are at the crime scene ascertaining every bit of evidence and facts we can collect from witnesses,” he said.
Mr Prendergast also revealed that none of the MP’s was injured in the alleged attack, adding that the Prime Minister’s election was also not disrupted by the incident.
“Police will be providing maximum security in relation to the formation of government and will be making sure that those responsible will be brought to justice,” he said.
By JEREMY INIFIRI
