The Fiji Police Force has sounded the alarm over a concerning rise in crimes against children. Last month, the force recorded a 25 percent increase in such incidents, with a total of 138 cases reported, of which 93 involved girls and 45 boys.
Acting Commissioner of Police Sakeo Raikaci revealed that among these cases, 54 percent were classified as sexual offences, 33 percent were assault-related, and 13 percent fell under other categories. Notably, 22 percent of these incidents were domestic in nature, involving relationships such as cousins and parent-child dynamics.
The increase in crimes against children was attributed primarily to a rise in assault cases, which jumped from 23 to 35, along with a significant rise in abductions of minors from five to 22. Sexual assault cases also increased from seven to 20. Additionally, the overall crime rate reflected an eight percent increase compared to the same period last year, with serious crimes rising by 11 percent, crimes against women by four percent, and crimes against children by 25 percent.
In a separate matter, five police officers faced charges last month for various offences, including sexual offences, assault, drug offences, and violations of the Domestic Violence Restraining Order (DVRO). Commissioner Raikaci emphasized that police officers also often become victims of crime while carrying out their duties, with 25 serious assault cases involving police officers, one case of obstruction, and nine instances of resisting arrest.
“Policing is challenging and everyday officers risk their safety and lives in the execution of their duties. This is part of the work we signed up for, and we are committed to overcoming these challenges for our communities,” he stated.
Regarding drug-related crime, 143 drug cases were reported in August compared to the previous year, with 138 involving the unlawful possession of drugs and five related to unlawful cultivation. A total of 135 individuals were charged with drug-related offences, including three students.
Commissioner Raikaci expressed gratitude for the growing support from religious and community leaders in fighting crime. He emphasized the importance of ongoing collaboration to create safer communities, urging citizens to report suspicious activities and crimes through the Crime stoppers hotline at 919 or 917.