The malfunctioning of closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras can significantly impact police investigations, according to Divisional Police Commander, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kemueli Baledrokadroka. He noted that the Northern Command Centre is connected to CCTVs at various locations in Labasa Town to help monitor potential criminal activity.
SSP Baledrokadroka emphasized that while the police strive to gather information, technical malfunctions can delay investigations. In relation to a recent assault case involving a taxi driver in Labasa on September 3, he mentioned that CCTV footage was instrumental in the apprehension of the suspect the following Wednesday.
The victim, 31-year-old taxi driver Aiyaz Din Mohammed, sustained facial injuries during the incident. SSP Baledrokadroka urged local businesses to invest in CCTV cameras to enhance security and assist law enforcement in gathering information.
He called for a more proactive partnership between the public and police in sharing information about criminal activity. Labasa Taxi Association chairman Mahen Prasad echoed this sentiment, stressing the need for police vigilance, especially among traffic officers, to prevent similar assaults.
Prasad highlighted that while the police are monitoring the situation, taxi drivers from the association are committed to reporting illegal pirate taxi operations. He pointed out that many individuals in Labasa operate private vehicles as unlicensed taxis, calling for an end to these illegal practices.