Fiji’s Minister for Policing, Ioane Naivalurua, has identified laziness and idleness as primary contributors to the increasing number of aggravated robbery cases in the nation. Speaking at a morning service at Calvary Temple, the Minister expressed his frustrations, emphasizing how these negative traits are impacting the younger generation and fostering social issues in communities.
Mr. Naivalurua argued that the rise in aggravated robbery incidents is indicative of a deeper problem, linking it directly to the prevalent laziness within society. “Laziness and idleness are a sickness that exist today,” he remarked, lamenting that crime reports have become a daily occurrence in the media. His comments highlight concerns raised in recent statistics from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), which stated that theft and aggravated robbery were among the most common offenses in 2024.
The Minister also noted a specific case involving an iTaukei man who was filmed allegedly stealing from an elderly individual at a shopping center in Nakasi, which serves as a real-time observation of these troubling trends. Following the incident, the suspect, reportedly in his 30s, was apprehended by the Eastern Division Task force for questioning.
Moreover, Mr. Naivalurua indicated that the Fiji Police Force is grappling with multiple social issues, including drug abuse and violence against women and children. He drew attention to a disturbing case involving a 77-year-old suspect and a very young victim, highlighting the urgent need for action to address these complex societal challenges. He advocated for the establishment of policing as a standalone ministry, which aims to implement measures to combat these pressing issues and promote community well-being.
In summary, Mr. Naivalurua’s remarks serve as a clarion call for society to take a stand against laziness and idleness that he believes are at the root of increasing crime rates. His commitment to tackling these problems and the acknowledgment of their broad impact on community health reinforce the importance of collective responsibility in fostering a safer environment.
The hopeful aspect of this narrative lies in the Minister’s proactive stance and the introduction of specific initiatives to strengthen community safety, alongside a call for increased awareness and education to combat these issues. Through consistent efforts and community involvement, there is potential for positive change in the social landscape of Fiji.
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