A serious mugging incident occurred on Saturday evening at Usher Street in Suva, Fiji, leaving a 45-year-old father of four, Viliame Turaga, a fish vendor and diver, physically assaulted and robbed of $2,700. Mr. Turaga recounted the traumatic event, stating that he was attacked by four iTaukei men who emerged unexpectedly. Despite his attempts to resist the assault, he was overpowered and forced into a nearby taxi. The assailants locked the doors and continued to physically harm him while searching for valuables.
As the taxi made its way toward Toorak Street, Mr. Turaga managed to escape by clinging to the door handle and was dragged for a short distance before breaking free. In his anguish, he expressed disbelief over the violent act, stating, “I don’t know why they would do this to me, but it is scary.”
Mr. Turaga reported the incident to the Totogo Police Station, but the investigation faced a setback, as the CCTV footage did not provide a clear view of the suspect’s vehicle registration.
Joe Raisele, a businessman who is involved in Mr. Turaga’s fishing enterprise, has called for increased police action to address rising crime rates in the country. He reflected on the alarming trend of burglaries and thefts, saying, “Knowing that this is what has become of our Fiji, where boundaries have been breached, Police need to step up and make sure justice is served.”
This incident aligns with other recent reports of violence and robberies involving taxi drivers in Fiji. For example, a recent case highlighted a taxi driver who was attacked at knifepoint and left bound in a bush after being robbed. These events underscore the growing concern about the safety of citizens, especially those in the job market vulnerable to crime.
As the community grapples with these disturbing incidents, it is crucial for law enforcement to increase their visibility and intervention strategies to restore safety and prevent such occurrences in the future. The collective efforts of citizens and police can foster a spirit of vigilance and solidarity in confronting the rising crime challenges that affect everyone.
The situation remains precarious, but there is hope that through community engagement and effective law enforcement response, peace and safety can be restored in the streets of Fiji.
Leave a comment