Four police officers face serious charges, including assault causing actual bodily harm, rape, and accepting bribes, according to the latest crime report from the Fiji Police Force for October. This report indicates a troubling environment, with a documented increase in serious offenses and crimes against vulnerable populations.
During the reporting period, the Fiji Police noted 22 cases of serious assaults directed at their own officers. Drug-related incidents dominated the crime statistics, with marijuana accounting for the majority of 160 cases, followed by 20 incidents related to methamphetamine and one involving cocaine. The police noted a significant uptick in crimes against children, rising by an alarming 39 percent. This increase highlighted a worrying trend, where 64 percent of these offenses were sexual in nature, with the majority of perpetrators being male family members.
Crimes against women also saw a minor increase of 0.5 percent, predominantly linked to domestic violence. The report indicated that serious crime overall had jumped by 17 percent, and sexual offenses had surged by 32 percent. However, some positive news emerged, as incidents of robbery and aggravated robbery declined during this timeframe.
Acting Police Commissioner Juki Fong Chew acknowledged the challenging situation, stating that the rise in crimes against women and children primarily occurs in domestic settings. He emphasized the police force’s commitment to collaborating with various stakeholders to tackle the underlying causes of these crimes. Additionally, Commissioner Chew highlighted that the increase in drug-related cases reflects ongoing efforts against illicit drug networks, supported by community involvement.
In order to foster safer communities, Chew reiterated the importance of joint efforts, stating a call for unity among all stakeholders, particularly as the festive season approaches. By working together, there is hope for a more secure environment as initiatives continue to be developed to combat crime and support affected communities.
Overall, while the statistics reflect a concerning rise in specific crime categories, the commitment from law enforcement and community stakeholders offers a glimmer of hope for positive change ahead.
Leave a comment