28 Feb 2006

Solomons police praised over arrest of Fijian

10:20 am on 28 February 2006

The Solomon Islands Police Commissioner Shane Castles says persistent and tireless efforts by his officers led to the recent arrest of a wanted Fijian man.

Kinivuai Vakatawanavatu Sulua evaded police for three weeks since escaping from Immigration detention.

He was awaiting deportation with 11 other men said to be trying to reach Bougainville in Papua New Guinea to train security guards in a rebel-held area.

The Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation reports Commissioner Castles as thanking the police officers in the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands for their help.

Mr Castles says without the assistance of the community, Mr Sulua's recapture would not have been possible so quickly.