THE Sasafa Community Crime Prevention Team in North Malaita has received support in the form of uniforms and equipment from China Police Liason Team, through the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) earlier this month.
The Sasafa Crime Prevention Team, active in promoting law and order in Malaita, was established in 2020 under the leadership of the former Malaita Provincial Police Commander, Mr. Stanley Riolo.
Building on the team’s ongoing efforts, the current Malaita Provincial Police Commander, Mr. Tex Tafoa, stepped in to reinforce the government’s recognition of the team, advocating for the provision of essential equipment and uniforms.
This support is part of the RSIP continued commitment to acknowledging the efforts of local communities in addressing law and order issues, particularly in the Sasafa area.
Reverend Ernest Wasimanu, Coordinator of the Sasafa Community Crime Prevention Team, expressed his gratitude, stating that the support will motivate and strengthen their dedication to promoting law and order in their community.
“The Sasafa community humbly acknowledges your great support in donating our uniforms,” said Mr. Wasimanu.
Reflecting on the past, he recalled a time when the Sasafa area was peaceful and its communities were not influenced by urban life.
“Sasafa is located inland, about 3 kilometers from the coastline, and borders both the Lau Baelelea and Baegu Asifola constituencies. In the past, Sasafa was a peaceful, quiet, and safe place to live, with villages closely connected, much like a small town.”
“Families in the community once enjoyed the freedom of living without worrying about security. However, by the mid-1990s, people began to migrate to urban centers in search of employment.
This urban drift led to a rapid population decrease and brought with it influences that eroded the peaceful life the community once knew.” Mr Wasimanu said
The influence of urban lifestyles gradually led to an increase in crime, with the younger generation adopting new behaviors that created insecurity.
This shift in the community dynamics escalated to a point where law and order became a major concern.
“The increase in crime led to widespread fear and insecurity, prompting the community to call for the restoration of law and order,” Mr. Wasimanu said.
In response to these challenges, the Sasafa Crime Prevention Team was established in 2022 in collaboration with the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force.
By 2025, the team’s operational goals were met when Malaita’s Provincial Police Commander, Mr. Tex Tafoa, successfully advocated for government recognition and assistance in the form of uniforms and other essential equipment.
Mr. Wasimanu extended heartfelt thanks to the government for recognizing the community policing team’s efforts.
“The Sasafa Community Crime Prevention Team (SCCPT) is deeply grateful to God for the government’s support, as well as for the equipment that will enable us to carry out our duties in the community,” he said.
The Sasafa community would like to express their gratitude to the following individuals and organizations for their unwavering support:
RSIPF Provincial Commissioner, Mattius Leinale
RSIPF Assistant Commissioner and Supportive Supervisor, Stanley Riolo
RSIPF Honiara Central Community Policing Department, Joel Saumanu
RSIPF Malaita Provincial Commander, Tex Tafoa
RSIPF Malaita Community Policing Department, Robert Alaigao
RSIPF Maluu Officer-in-Charge, Tonny To’oga
China Police Liaison Team to the Solomon Islands, Commander Mr. Dong and 2nd-in-Rank Mr. Leo CPLT
By SOLOMON LOFANA
Solomon Star, Auki
