A civil servant remains hospitalized at Labasa Hospital, while another has been discharged following an alleged assault by a group of intoxicated youths in Cakaudrove. The victims were among six workers from the Public Works Department (PWD) who were involved in a vehicle incident when the driver veered off the road in a settlement in Natewa, where the group of youths was drinking.
Acting Prime Minister Filimoni Vosarogo expressed outrage over the incident, labeling it shocking and unacceptable. He urged for a thorough investigation led by Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu, who has assembled a team to pursue and question suspects. Vosarogo made it clear that violence against civil servants performing their duties will not be tolerated. “Do not touch civil servants. Civil servants come to work for you,” he emphasized, highlighting previous incidents where medical professionals, educators, and other public workers have faced community hostility.
“There will be consequences for those involved in the stoning and assault of our civil servants,” Vosarogo warned, reiterating the legal ramifications for such actions. The Acting Prime Minister also advised government officials to prioritize their safety when traveling in areas perceived as dangerous, suggesting they request police escorts when necessary. He stressed the importance of ensuring that civil servants can continue serving the public in a safe environment.
Infrastructure Minister Ro Filipe Tuisawau condemned the attack, stating that it undermines the fabric of society and the ongoing efforts to drive Fiji’s development. He emphasized that a secure and supportive environment is crucial for public workers, whose safety directly impacts the communities they serve. Calling for collective action, Minister Tuisawau urged all stakeholders to work together to address and curb anti-social behavior.
This incident reflects a worrying trend of violence against civil servants in Fiji, echoing other recent assaults on public workers and taxi drivers, underlining the urgent need for community engagement and responsibility. The government’s commitment to ensuring civil servant safety signals a broader effort to address these challenges and foster a culture of respect and cooperation between public officials and the communities they serve. Through decisive action and public support, there remains hope for a future where civil servants can safely perform their duties and contribute to national development without fear of violence.
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