The Fiji Police Force has raised concerns about a notable increase in crimes against children. Last month, there was a 25 percent rise in such cases, with a total of 138 incidents reported, involving 93 girls and 45 boys.
Acting Commissioner of Police Sakeo Raikaci stated that of these cases, 54 percent were classified as sexual offences, 33 percent were assault-related, and 13 percent fell under other categories. He highlighted that 22 percent of the incidents were domestic in nature, involving family members such as cousins and parents.
Mr. Raikaci attributed the surge in crimes against children primarily to a rise in assault cases, which escalated from 23 to 35, as well as an increase in abductions involving minors from 5 to 22. There was also a rise in sexual assaults, which jumped from seven to 20 cases. Overall, the crime rate increased by eight percent compared to the same period last year, with serious crimes up by 11 percent, crimes against women up by four percent, and the significant 25 percent rise in crimes against children.
In an effort to hold officers accountable for their actions, Mr. Raikaci reported that five police officers faced charges last month for sexual offences, assault, drug-related crimes, and violations of the Domestic Violence Restraining Order. He also noted that police officers themselves were sometimes victims of crime, with 25 serious assault cases reported against them, along with one case of obstruction and nine cases of resisting arrest.
Policing, according to Mr. Raikaci, presents numerous challenges, and officers constantly risk their safety while fulfilling their duties. He emphasized their commitment to tackling these issues in service to the community.
Regarding drug-related crimes, Mr. Raikaci reported 143 cases in August compared to the previous year, with the majority involving the unlawful possession of illicit drugs. A total of 135 individuals were charged with drug offences, including three students.
Mr. Raikaci acknowledged the growing support from religious and community leaders in crime prevention efforts. He stressed the importance of maintaining collaborative efforts to enhance community safety and encouraged the public to report any suspicious activities or crimes through the Crime Stoppers hotline.