Five religious statues stolen in Nadi as police pursue leads
The Police team in Nadi is pursuing leads in five cases of alleged theft of religious statues reported last week. In Korociri, three separate reports were filed on Friday afternoon between 12 and 1 pm, with five statues taken from three different properties. In Nakurakura, on the same day, an unknown person stole three religious statues from the property of a 33-year-old man. A fifth incident saw a statue taken from the prayer room of a 35-year-old man on Sagayam Road. Police say they are pursuing a number of leads and are working around the clock to identify those responsible.
Context and outlook
These incidents in Nadi occur amid reports of a broader pattern of sacrilege and statue thefts at places of worship across Fiji in recent weeks. Earlier coverage highlighted a wider thefts’ spike, including nine statues stolen in Nadi on the same period—five from Korociri and three from Nakurakura, with another statue taken from Sagayam Road—underscoring the urgency of safeguarding sacred spaces.
Law enforcement and community response
Authorities have mobilised dedicated taskforces, including units from the Southern Division and K9 teams, and have conducted house-to-house inquiries as part of ongoing investigations. Temple committees and faith leaders have urged the public to report suspicious activity and to support investigators. Community leaders emphasize unity across diverse faiths as a cornerstone for protecting places of worship and maintaining peace.
A hopeful perspective
Despite troubling incidents, officials and communities express optimism that strengthened protective measures, continued police-community collaboration, and vigilant reporting can enhance security at places of worship and help prevent further acts of sacrilege. The trend has already spurred dialogue and cooperative action aimed at safeguarding sacred spaces for all.
Summary
A cluster of statue thefts in Nadi last Friday involved five statues stolen in Korociri, three in Nakurakura, and one from Sagayam Road, with police continuing to pursue leads. This aligns with a broader nationwide pattern of temple break-ins, prompting expanded security efforts and heightened community vigilance.
Editors’ notes and follow-up suggestions
– Provide updates on any arrests, recovered items, or court actions as investigations progress.
– Include quotes from temple committees or faith leaders to capture community impact and resilience.
– Consider publishing a map or timeline of the incidents to help readers visualize the pattern and response.
– Follow up on security measures implemented at affected sites (e.g., lighting, CCTV, patrols) and any new community watch initiatives.
– Maintain a balanced, respectful tone that highlights unity among diverse faiths and constructive community engagement.
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