The Fiji Police Force has expressed concern over a recent surge in crimes against children. Last month, the police reported a 25 percent increase in such cases, totaling 138 incidents, with 93 girls and 45 boys involved.
Among these incidents, 54 percent were categorized as sexual offenses, 33 percent were assault-related, and 13 percent involved other crimes. Additionally, 22 percent of the cases were domestic in nature, concerning relationships with cousins, parents, and other relatives. Acting Commissioner of Police Sakeo Raikaci noted that the rise in crimes against children was largely attributed to an increase in assaults from 23 to 35 cases, abductions of individuals under 18 from five to 22, and sexual assaults from seven to 20.
The overall crime rate also saw an increase of eight percent compared to the same period last year, with serious crimes up by 11 percent, crimes against women rising by four percent, and crimes against children increasing by 25 percent.
In efforts to hold police officers accountable, five officers were charged last month with various offenses including sexual offenses, assault, drug-related incidents, and breaches of Domestic Violence Restraining Orders. However, officers themselves also faced challenges, as there were 25 serious assault cases where police were victims, along with one case of obstruction, and nine cases of resisting arrest.
Mr. Raikaci emphasized the difficulties of policing, acknowledging the risks officers take daily while serving their communities.
On the topic of drugs, there were 143 drug-related cases reported in August compared to the same period last year, with 138 related to the unlawful possession of illegal substances and five concerning unlawful cultivation. A total of 135 individuals were charged for drug-related offenses, including three students.
Mr. Raikaci acknowledged the support from religious and community leaders in combating crime and stressed the importance of ongoing collaboration to ensure safer communities. He urged citizens to report suspicious activities and crimes via Crime Stoppers at contacts 919 or 917.