The Fiji Police Force is currently looking into a troubling case involving crew members from a foreign airline who were reportedly robbed and sexually assaulted in separate incidents at a night club in Nadi during the early hours of yesterday.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism, Viliame Gavoka, confirmed the events, expressing empathy for the victims. He stated, “These alleged incidents are regrettable,” and detailed that one incident involved theft while the other addressed a sexual assault, affecting two different crew members.
Gavoka noted that a suspect known to the police has been questioned regarding the alleged sexual assault. He also addressed and corrected misinformation circulating in international media regarding the crew members being ‘detained.’ According to Gavoka, the crew members are in good health and are currently housed at a local hotel designated for crew layovers. They have been advised to remain nearby to assist with the police investigation and are expected to return home before the week’s end.
The Deputy Prime Minister urged international media outlets to report responsibly and avoid sensationalizing incidents without confirming the facts. He acknowledged that unfortunate events like this can occur anywhere, emphasizing that Fiji is not exempt from such issues. This serves as a reminder for tourists to remain vigilant, especially in nightclub settings and during late hours.
This incident highlights the importance of safety precautions for travelers, and it is essential for both locals and tourists to work together to maintain a secure environment. As Fiji addresses this matter, there is hope that the community will come together to reinforce safety measures and ensure a positive experience for all visitors.
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