A man has been taken into police custody following an incident in which he authorized his 16-year-old nephew to drive his vehicle, leading to a tragic accident in Labasa on December 4. Acting Divisional Police Commander North, Superintendent Eroni Soqosoqo, confirmed the arrest.

The victim, identified as Shalvin Lal from Tuatua, Labasa, reportedly left his guardian’s home around midnight to pick up his uncle. The accident occurred shortly after 1 AM in the Naduna area, where the nephew allegedly lost control of the vehicle. It veered off the road and struck a culvert, resulting in Shalvin’s fatal injuries from the crash.

Superintendent Soqosoqo noted that the man who granted permission to drive is currently being questioned at the Labasa Police Station. Once the investigation is complete, the case will be forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. Authorities are also looking into the fact that the deceased was driving without a license.

This unfortunate incident highlights the critical importance of road safety and responsible vehicle use, particularly involving young or inexperienced drivers. It serves as a reminder for guardians and adults to ensure that any driving instruction or permissions are carefully considered and aligned with legal requirements.

As investigations continue, there may be opportunities for community education initiatives to promote safe driving practices among youth, potentially preventing similar tragedies in the future.