On the evening of August 8, shortly after 8 PM, two slim young men were seen at the intersection of Velau Drive and Tivi Place in Kinoya, Nasinu. They observed as a taxi stopped to let out two female passengers.
As the women began to retrieve their belongings from the taxi, one turned to pay the driver while the other continued unloading. At that moment, one of the young men crossed the street and approached the driver’s window. In a sudden move, he reached inside the vehicle, snatched the driver’s mobile phone, and fled down the street.
A vehicle had pulled up behind the taxi, with its occupants watching the unfolding scene in disbelief. As the women shouted to the other young man across the street, inquiring about the assailant’s identity, he ignored them and walked toward the direction of the thief.
Within seconds, the taxi driver lost his phone and was powerless to intervene while the two women could only stand by in shock. The female driver of the vehicle behind, along with her two children, was also left helpless.
The thief displayed a brazen attitude, seemingly unconcerned about his actions. This troubling incident, which is not the first of its kind in that area, raises concerns especially considering a police post is located just a hundred meters away.
There is an urgent need for greater community involvement in urban areas throughout the country, in conjunction with police support. In light of this situation, it has been noted that children under the age of 10 are facing the repercussions of drug use and HIV. This alarming revelation was shared by participants at the Fiji Red Cross Society’s first youth discussion held at the Novotel Suva.
Fiji is reportedly facing a troubling rise in HIV infection rates and drug use among young people, with concerning statistics indicating a significant increase in cases. Stakeholders remarked, “In recent years, drug-related offenses among youth have escalated, and HIV occurrences among Fijian youth have more than doubled, driven by a lack of awareness, stigma, and insufficient support systems.”
Some may argue that such bold criminal actions are linked to drug addiction. It is crucial to make a concerted effort to better understand these connections and promote community unity to address crime collectively.
Residents desire a safe environment where they can live peacefully and be part of a thriving community that allows them to fully enjoy life.