Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Viliame Gavoka has clarified that reports suggesting crew members of a foreign airline were detained following an incident involving robbery and sexual assault are incorrect. The Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation has confirmed that the local police are actively investigating two separate alleged incidents that occurred in a nightclub area in Nadi during the early hours of Wednesday.
In his statement, Mr. Gavoka mentioned that a suspect linked to the sexual assault has already been interrogated and that the investigation is ongoing. The incidents reportedly involve different crew members, with one incident related to theft and the other to sexual assault.
He expressed concern for the well-being and health of the affected crew members, noting that they will return home by the end of the week. Currently, the crew is in good health and remains at a hotel designated for layovers. They have been advised to stay within the hotel vicinity to ensure they are available for police inquiries.
Gavoka urged the international media to be responsible in their reporting and not to sensationalize these events without verified information. He acknowledged that while Fiji is a beautiful tourist destination, incidents of this nature can occur anywhere, and he reminded visitors to exercise caution in nightlife areas.
This situation highlights the importance of accurate media reporting during sensitive incidents and the need for community vigilance to ensure safety for both locals and tourists. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to protect the well-being of everyone in the tourism sector while promoting responsible travel practices.
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