Akuila Masi, the former manager of the Vusu Raiders rugby league team, expressed grave concerns regarding a violent incident involving his players at a Suva nightclub, where bouncers allegedly assaulted seven players. The brutal attack led to two players being left unconscious at CWM Hospital, while three others were admitted to Sigatoka Hospital for treatment. Masi condemned the actions of the bouncers, emphasizing that those meant to ensure safety in nightclubs should not resort to violence.
“There’s no tolerance for how our players were treated,” Masi stated, highlighting the need for proper medical care for the injured. He described their treatment as unfortunate, pointing out the excessive use of stools and timber during the assault.
Prominent Suva lawyer Jon Apted also voiced his concerns, urging the Fiji Police Force to take action against nightclub owners. He suggested that the incident might have been preventable had there been stricter enforcement of the Liquor Act, which prohibits serving alcohol to intoxicated patrons. He recommended increasing the current fines to encourage compliance and prevent similar events in the future.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations, Livai Driu, confirmed that an investigation is ongoing, with police questioning staff members from the nightclub involved. He reported that officers provided medical assistance to the injured and ensured they received prompt hospital care.
Witnesses indicated that the altercation began inside the establishment before escalating outside, where teammates attempted to intervene but were met with violence, resulting in multiple injuries.
This incident serves as a wake-up call for the need for improved regulations and safety measures in nightlife settings. The hope remains that authorities will take decisive action to prevent such occurrences in the future, ensuring the safety of individuals enjoying their time in public spaces.
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