The Fiji Police Force is actively investigating claims that crew members from a foreign airline were victims of theft and sexual assault in two separate incidents at a nightclub in Nadi during the early hours of yesterday. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism, Viliame Gavoka, expressed deep concern for the victims, noting that such incidents are unfortunate.
Gavoka provided further details about the situation, clarifying that one of the crew members was reportedly robbed while another was sexually assaulted. A suspect, who is already known to the police in connection with the sexual assault allegation, has been questioned.
The Deputy Prime Minister also addressed misinformation circulating in international media, stating that claims suggesting the crew members are being ‘detained’ are inaccurate. “The crew are in good health and are currently staying at a designated hotel for layovers,” he confirmed. They have been advised by their headquarters to remain within the hotel premises for their safety and to aid the ongoing police investigation, with plans for the crew to return home by the end of the week.
Gavoka urged international media outlets to report responsibly and refrain from sensationalizing the events. He acknowledged that such incidents can occur anywhere in the world and reminded tourists to remain vigilant in nightlife situations.
This situation serves as a reminder of the importance of safety awareness in unfamiliar environments and highlights the need for tourist-friendly policies and practices to mitigate such risks. It’s hopeful that through this investigation, the responsible parties will be held accountable, and safety measures can be reinforced to protect visitors in the future.
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