A FAMILY at Malo village near Lata, Temotu Province, are homeless after their home was razed to the ground last weekend in what is widely believed to be an act of arson.
The incident occurred between 10am and 11am last Sunday while the family was attending a nearby church.
Nicholas Pika is the owner of the house, built mostly of bush materials.
His brother in-law Johnny Rocketts, who resides in Honiara, is spending his holiday with him when the incident occurred.
The family lost everything, except the clothes they wear to church.
Neighbours spoken to said it was raining in the village when the incident occurred.
“Everyone was attending church when the house was set alight,” one neighbour said.
“Other neighbours who were at home that morning didn’t realise the house was on fire until it was too late,” the neighbour added.
Police were deployed to the scene the next day but they are yet to arrest anyone.
Police urged villagers to cooperate and identify those responsible for the incident.
Villagers said this was the first fire incident to have happened in their village.
Police say it’s still too early to ascertain the cause of the fire.
By ULPEP DEVA
Stringer
Temotu Province
