Police are conducting an investigation into a sexual harassment complaint filed by a contestant of the Miss Hibiscus pageant. Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro confirmed that a report was received at the Totogo Police Station on Friday and an investigation is currently in progress.
The allegations emerged last week when a contestant claimed she was inappropriately touched by a guest during the crowning ceremony on September 7, indicating that she was “jabbed on the back.” The claims prompted the Minister for Local Government, Maciu Nalumisa, to initiate an internal inquiry.
Minister Nalumisa emphasized the need for professionalism to protect the interests of every contestant. He stated, “We will get to the bottom and find out what really happened,” and expects the investigation to be completed within the week.
He also mentioned that he had contacted Tevita Boseiwaqa, the chairperson of the Suva City Council special administration, to be part of the investigating team. The queen contestant has officially filed her complaint at the Totogo Police Station, initially planning to wait for a witness returning from abroad before proceeding but ultimately deciding to report the incident without further delay.
The contestant alleges that the intoxicated individual jabbed her and she promptly notified event officials about the incident. Nalumisa remarked that consuming alcohol should never serve as a justification for such unacceptable behavior.