A CHOISEUL man has expressed serious concerns about security in the province after an armed group looted a logging camp on three occasions without police action.
Kenneth Kibi Sia said the incidents occurred at Kakaza-Sumbi logging camp, south of Choiseul.
“More than six ray boats loaded with men armed with weapons such as knifes, axes, stones and timbers landed at that logging camp and threatened workers before they went on a looting spree,” Kibi said.
“Upon landing at the camp, they started involving in a fight which left many injured before looting, destroying the camp and stole many valuable items including money,” he added.
He said they left the camp with chainsaws, heavy machine parts, clothes, radio and money.
Kibi said the first incident occurred on the 30th June, the second on 1st July and the last one on the 16th July.
“But sadly, the third incident is more serious as it also involving rape on some of the girls working at the camp,” he claimed.
Kibi said although Taro police were informed after the first incident, the group returned two more times to do what they did.
“Police at Taro are supposed to protect businesses in the province but it seems some of them have conflicts of interest.
“We know some of the criminals were also relatives of some of the officers and that is why no arrests have been made and things remain the same,” he added.
But Kibi said the important thing now is to stop the criminals from such actions that would disrupt community and business operators.
“We don’t want to talk about land ownership as it will be done at the right forum but we want to first stop the criminal activities for the safety of our people and their businesses.
“Police have done their work but we would like to call on the people with information to report to police so that arrests can be made,” he added.
Kibi said some have been identified but police must help to ensure those responsible face justice.
“They have breached the law for trespassing, looting and stealing of valuable items and mostly for raping some of our women,” he said.
Attempts to talk to Taro police yesterday were unsuccessful due to communication hiccups.
By IAN M.KAUKUI
