The malfunctioning of closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras occasionally hinders police investigations, according to Divisional Police Commander Senior Superintendent of Police Kemueli Baledrokadroka. He stated that the Northern Command Centre is connected to CCTVs installed at various locations in Labasa Town to assist in monitoring potential criminal activity.
SSP Baledrokadroka emphasized that while the police strive to gather information effectively, technical issues can sometimes delay investigations. Regarding the recent assault case involving a taxi driver in Labasa Town on September 3, he mentioned that footage from CCTV was crucial in the arrest of the suspect last Wednesday.
Aiyaz Din Mohammed, a 31-year-old taxi driver, sustained facial injuries during the alleged assault. SSP Baledrokadroka urged local businesses to install CCTV cameras to enhance surveillance, which would improve business security and aid police in gathering information.
He also called for a more robust public-police partnership to facilitate information sharing about crime suspects. Labasa Taxi Association chairman Mahen Prasad reinforced the need for police to be vigilant, particularly traffic officers, to prevent such incidents from happening again.
Mr. Prasad noted that while police maintain their surveillance, taxi drivers in the association would help report illegal taxi operations. He highlighted the issue of illegal taxi operators who run their private vehicles as taxis without legal permits.
“There are numerous individuals in Labasa who use their private cars as pirate taxis,” he said. “If it is illegal to operate, it must be stopped,” Mr. Prasad concluded.