Arrest in Solomons killing of New Zealander

7.30am

A man has been arrested for the murder of New Zealander Kevin O'Brien in the Solomon Islands capital Honiara in February.

Solomons Islands Radio reported today that police minister Benjamin Una announced the arrest at a ceremony at Parliament House.

Mr Una said the suspect was in police custody in the Malaita provincial capital, Auki.

Mr O'Brien, 39, from Picton, was stabbed to death on a Fletcher Construction building site on February 11.

It was reported at the time that Mr O'Brien, who was in charge of the construction site, was stabbed by a disgruntled Solomon Island worker while he was talking to another man.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesman Brad Tattersfield told NZPA today MFAT staff in the Solomons had been unable to confirm the arrest but, "if the report does prove to be accurate it's a very welcome development".

- NZPA

Feature: Solomon Islands

Related links