A solemn traditional peace ceremony was held on Wednesday, 21st May at Bulelavata, near Beulah Provincial High School in Roviana Lagoon, Western Province, by the family of Richard Sangula—one of the five men accused in the murder of 24-year-old Stephanus Wainamo.

Wainamo, from Napuamarawa village in Bwagarei, South Star Harbour, Makira Ulawa province, was allegedly murdered on Saturday, May 17, at Jacob’s Ladder in the Milestone area near Mamulele, East Honiara.

The accused—Sangula, Hudson Eddie Asuani, Greg Metefaka, Junior Danga, and Kevin Sibele—were all remanded and are now in custody.

A post-mortem report submitted to the court revealed that the deceased sustained multiple severe head injuries, including two lacerations, a star-shaped wound to the back of the head, a cracked scalp, and trauma above the left eye.

Sangula has ancestral ties to both Roviana and Malaita Province.

The peace ceremony involved a customary exchange of symbolic items including a cash voucher, bakiha (shell money), traditional string money from Guadalcanal, a pig, bags of rice, betel nuts, and other traditional gifts.

These offerings were made as an expression of remorse and a step toward reconciliation between the involved parties.

The ceremony was conducted in accordance with Roviana traditional protocols, underlining the role of cultural customs in resolving conflict and restoring social harmony.

The event was attended by members of the Dunde Council of Chiefs (past and present), Noro Police representatives, family members and landowning elders from Kazukuru, near Ziata.

During the gathering, elders from both sides expressed deep sorrow and sympathy over the tragic incident.

According to reports, the gifts will be formally presented to the deceased’s family in Honiara at a later date.

By Ulutah Gina

Solomon Star, Gizo