Four police officers in Fiji have been charged with serious offenses, including assault causing actual bodily harm, rape, and receiving bribes. This alarming news comes amidst the release of the Fiji Police Force’s overall crime statistics for October.
The report indicates a notably troubling rise in certain crime categories. Most notably, there has been a significant increase in crimes against children, which surged by 39%. These offenses predominantly revolve around sexual violations, alongside assaults. In total, 90 girls and 78 boys were reported as victims, with male family members accounting for all perpetrators in domestic-related cases.
Additionally, crimes against women have also escalated slightly by 0.5%, with a majority being assault-related. The data reveals that domestic violence against both women and children rose by 42%, indicating a concerning trend that calls for urgent attention.
Serious crimes overall have increased by 17%, with a notable 32% surge specifically in sexual offenses. However, it is worth mentioning that cases of robbery have actually decreased, potentially signaling some positive developments in specific areas of law enforcement.
The report also highlights a rise in drug-related offenses, primarily linked to marijuana, while methamphetamine and cocaine cases were less frequent. The Acting Commissioner of Police, Juki Fong Chew, emphasized that many of these troubling trends are occurring within domestic settings. He reaffirmed the Fiji Police Force’s commitment to collaborating with community stakeholders to tackle the root causes of these crimes and maintain safety in their communities.
Chew added that the increase in drug-related cases is a sign of ongoing efforts in the campaign against drugs, with intentions to disrupt illicit networks. The recent festive season operation, which includes community collaboration, aims to enhance safety and support ongoing crime reduction efforts.
In summary, while the rise in certain crimes presents a significant challenge, the response from law enforcement and community stakeholders shows a positive commitment to addressing these issues head-on. This partnership reflects hope for creating safer environments for all citizens in Fiji.
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