Police officers from the NCD and Central Command with assistance from Mobile Squad and Dog Unit Directorate were at Vanapa Brown along Hiritano Highway today to strongly warn the Goilalas living along the highway to refrain from going into the main Highway if they have problems amongst themselves.
This movement was led by Commander NCD/Central acting Assistant Commissioner of Police Benjamin Turi.
Commander Turi, Central Provincial Police Commander Joseph Salle, and senior officers including Staff Officer to NCD Metropolitian Superintendent Chief Inspector Sengi Laki and NCD Zone two Commander Chief Inspector Tobby Hamago, with a team of 20 police vehicles, warned the Goilala community at Vanapa and Veikabu against future roadblocks, stating that police will respond with action if repeated.
The twenty police vehicles lead by Commander Turi and Central Provincial Provincial Police Commander Joseph Salle assisted by Staff Officer to NCD Metropolitian Superintendent Chief Inspector Sengi Laki and NCD Zone two Commander Chief Inspector Tobby Hamago were at Vanapa and Veikabu areas where the Goilalas reside who strongly warned them that if they happen to do roadblocks again, I’m the future the police will come for them.
The team informed the gathered youths that police would return in full force if disturbances continued, ensuring that those causing disruptions would need to leave and return to Goilala, as they are not landowners but sellers living in the area.
Commander Turi informed both groups that police would assist in investigating the deaths of over five people and ensure the highway remains open and safe for public use.
Commander Turi assured that police investigations would begin promptly and urged affected individuals to cooperate to facilitate arrests and prosecutions.
He noted that many cases involving Goilala’s are difficult to investigate due to a lack of witness cooperation.
Community leaders from both sides were also given the opportunity to speak, which they assured the police that they would speak to their youths not to repeat the same again.
The Chairman of the Gulf PMV Association expressed concerns about ongoing harassment from locals along the road and thanked the police for addressing the issue.
Police reports indicate that the roadblocks, which began on Wednesday, were in response to a death believed to be retaliation.
The report also stated that four Veikabu residents were killed a week earlier, allegedly by Goilalas from Vanapa.
Meanwhile, Wednesday saw another man killed that led to the roadblock along the Veikabu section of the road that made it very difficult for travelling along Hiritano Highway.
PPC Central and Goilala MP visited the area on Thursday, warning people not to block the road, but their message was ignored, prompting Commander NCD/Central and police units to intervene with a strong warning against future disruptions.
Travelers on that section of the highway are advised to exercise caution and report any suspicious activity.