Malaita

The incident on Tuesday came amid claims a woman in Maoro Village was a sorcerer and responsible for the sudden death of a local teacher.

RNZI reports 20 men from East Kwara'ae had demanded compensation and when this was not forthcoming police say they burned down the two traditional houses and looted the properties.

The men have since been arrested.

Photo file centralmalaita. blogpsot: Caption: Auki, the provincial capital of Malaita 

Peter Chanel Ramohia says a Provincial Assembly special select committee is being appointed to draw up a roadmap and timetable for consultations with Malaitan leaders and the national government.

The Premier says a sovereign Malaita nation was not a declaration of independence.

He made the comments before the Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare in the provincial capital Auki during provincial celebrations.