Tevita Boseiwaqa, the special administrator chair of the Suva City Council, has announced that an investigation has commenced following allegations of sexual assault involving a contestant from the Hibiscus event on the night of the crowning. Boseiwaqa stated that the council has engaged an external investigative unit, which is anticipated to conclude its work by next week.
“We are meeting this afternoon with the investigators,” he remarked. “These individuals possess substantial experience in this field and are affiliated with an organization that specializes in women’s rights and event organization.”
The council’s investigation was prompted by a request from the minister. Boseiwaqa emphasized that until the investigation is complete, the situation remains based on assumptions.
A contestant who wishes to remain anonymous recounted an incident that occurred on September 7, during the crowning ceremony. She alleged that a man, who was reportedly invited by a senior official, sexually harassed her. “On the night of the crowning, he was drunk and slapped me hard on the back,” she stated. “When a fellow contestant confronted him, he attempted to touch my arm, but I pushed his hand away. He also groped someone else.”
The contestant mentioned that she had requested to leave early but was denied permission until after the incident occurred. She was supposed to have a meeting with the Suva City Council to address an apology to her family, but it was subsequently canceled. She has filed her complaint with the Totogo Police Station and confirmed that a senior official from the Hibiscus committee is organizing an “apology lunch.”