29 Bougainvilleans apprehended for illegally entering Solomon waters

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Response Team has apprehended  29 Bougainvilleans today in the western province for allegedly entering the country’s border illegally.

Reports say, the men entered the country’s border Monday and were believed to be heading for Noro town in North New Georgia.

The men were travelling inside 3 boats and were  intercepted by Patrol boat Auki at around 1pm Tuesday outside Vella La Vella Island.

They were transferred by the PRT with the assistance of Immigration Officials and were brought to Gizo town where they are now being kept under Police custody.

It is not clear why the men entered the country illegally, but communities in the western province believe the men were heading to Noro because of the recent death of a twenty year old boy believed to be part Bouganville and Shortlands, who died last month in the township, which is still under police investigations.

Meanwhile, Western Province Police Provincial Commander, Superintendent Mathias Lenialu refused to give further details regarding the incident.

He said the incident is now a national issue because the men entered the country’s waters illegally.

SIBC understands that no further charges were made, but police investigation is currently underway.

SOURCE: SIBC/PACNEWS