Malfunctions and technical failures of closed circuit television (CCTV) systems can hinder police investigations, according to Divisional Police Commander Senior Superintendent of Police Kemueli Baledrokadroka. He explained that the Northern Command Centre is connected to CCTVs at various locations in Labasa Town, aiding in monitoring potential criminal activities.
SSP Baledrokadroka emphasized that while police strive to gather information, technical issues can sometimes delay investigations. Referring to a recent assault on a taxi driver in Labasa Town on September 3, he noted that CCTV footage played a crucial role in apprehending the suspect the following Wednesday.
The assaulted taxi driver, Aiyaz Din Mohammed, 31, sustained facial injuries during the incident. SSP Baledrokadroka urged local businesses to install CCTV systems to improve surveillance for their security and to support police efforts with valuable information.
He called for a stronger public-police partnership in sharing information about criminal suspects. Mahen Prasad, chairman of the Labasa Taxi Association, voiced the need for police officers, especially traffic officers, to maintain vigilance to prevent similar assaults in the future.
Prasad mentioned that, while police monitor the area, taxi drivers from the association will help identify illegal taxi operators, who run private vehicles as taxis without proper permits. He pointed out that many individuals in Labasa use their personal cars as pirate taxis and stressed that such illegal operations need to cease.