The Minister for Home Affairs, Pio Tikoduadua, has pledged a thorough investigation into the alleged police brutality case in Nausori that occurred over the weekend. Vilikesa Bari, a 21-year-old final-year maritime student at Fiji National University, was reportedly assaulted by a police officer, leading to severe injuries that required hospitalization.
Bari sustained a broken jaw and is currently having difficulty eating due to his injuries. Minister Tikoduadua stated, “I’ve been informed about it, we’ll investigate it fully,” indicating a commitment to addressing the situation. He expressed that this incident was newly brought to his attention and assured that a comprehensive investigation would commence.
During a visit to Wainibokasi Hospital on Monday, the visiting team learned of additional claims from Bari’s family regarding alleged bribery. It is reported that a police officer approached Bari at around 4 AM on Sunday, offering him $500 in an attempt to silence him regarding the assault.
In response to the situation, the police acknowledged that the actions of a few officers had undermined public trust in the police force. Acting Commissioner of Police, Sakeo Raikaci, stated that recent allegations of abuse of authority have adversely affected community relations. He affirmed that the police force is committed to restoring trust and confidence among the public and implementing necessary disciplinary actions to address these issues.
“Officers serving throughout the five policing divisions continue to do their best in serving our communities and appreciate the continuous show of support,” ACP Raikaci added, emphasizing a collaborative approach towards improving police-community relations.
This matter highlights the importance of transparency and accountability within law enforcement, underscoring the community’s role in supporting police efforts to rectify issues and build trust. The hopeful takeaway is that as investigations proceed, there is an opportunity for growth and improvement in policing practices, fostering better relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
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