Technical issues with closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras can sometimes hinder police investigations, according to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kemueli Baledrokadroka, the Divisional Police Commander.
He noted that the Northern Command Centre is linked to CCTVs positioned throughout Labasa Town to monitor potential criminal activities. SSP Baledrokadroka emphasized that while police strive to obtain information for investigations, technical malfunctions can delay the process.
In relation to a recent assault case involving a taxi driver in Labasa Town on September 3, SSP Baledrokadroka mentioned that the footage from CCTV cameras played a crucial role in the arrest of the suspect last Wednesday. The victim, 31-year-old Aiyaz Din Mohammed, sustained facial injuries during the incident.
SSP Baledrokadroka encouraged local businesses to install CCTV cameras to bolster security and assist police in gathering intelligence. He called for increased cooperation between the public and police in sharing information about crime suspects.
Mahen Prasad, chairman of the Labasa Taxi Association, echoed the need for heightened vigilance from police, particularly traffic officers, to prevent similar assaults in the future. He noted that while police maintain their surveillance efforts, taxi drivers are also committed to informing authorities about illegal taxi operators, who run private vehicles as taxis without proper permits.
“There are many individuals in Labasa using their private cars unlawfully as pirate taxis,” Prasad stated, adding, “If it is illegal to operate, it must stop.”