By Grace Tiden 

Members of West Pomio landowner company Memalo Holdings Limited including other locals have been warned not to issue any threats or statements that can be seen as an assault to the Commission of Inquiry into the granting of Special Agriculture Business Leases (SABLs). 

CoI Commissioner issued the warning last week following allegations of threats being made against women landowners in the West Pomio area. 

He warned some of the landowners including Memalo Holdings Limited Chairman John Palulrea and said the CoI will not entertain further threats to people who came in to give evidence at the inquiry which is expected to conclude by March 31 next year. 

Mr Jerewai said the matters of allegations against them were very serious in light of what unfolded during the Kokopo leg of the inquiry in regards to their land and some of the allegations showed disrespect for the inquiry. 

He said if the allegations were confirmed to be true, they could be charged with contempt as per Section 11 of the Commission of Inquiry Act. 

He told the four men including Mr Palulrea who were called to answer to the allegations that most of those who had to give evidence during the inquiry had done so against all odds and were brave and courageous. 

“They have exposed what the executives did not see. The inquiry can forgive you but the people will not forgive you for giving away their land,” he said.