Gizo Police in Western Province have arrested and charged four suspects for criminal trespass that led to the attempted murder of a 20-year-old male victim at Jamia village in Vella La Vella, Western Province (WP).

Acting Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Western Province Superintendent Wilken Miriki says, “The suspects, who are from different villages, went to Jamia village on Friday 23 January 2023 and caused a disturbance.”

PPC says, “They allegedly shouted using abusive words in the community, causing the village elders to chase them away.”

Supervising PPC said, “Later, the suspects returned to the village and challenged anyone in the village to a fight. When the victim asked them to remain quiet and leave the area, the suspects became angry and punched the victim.

Mr. Miriki said, “It was alleged that one of the suspects then pulled out a kitchen knife and stabbed the victim in his back before pulling the knife out. As the victim bled from his injuries, the suspects fled the crime scene.

He said the victim is currently admitted at Gizo Hospital receiving medical treatment. 

The suspects were arrested and charged the following day, on 24 January 2026.

The provincial police chief appeals to the families of both the victim and the suspects to remain calm and allow the law to take its course to prevent further escalation of the situation, as the incident is related to a land dispute.

– RSIPF