Minister for Home Affairs Pio Tikoduadua has pledged a thorough investigation into an incident of alleged police brutality that occurred over the weekend in Nausori. The case involves Vilikesa Bari, a 21-year-old final-year maritime student at Fiji National University, who reportedly suffered serious injuries from an alleged assault by a police officer, leading to his hospitalization.
Bari sustained a broken jaw and is currently facing challenges with eating. Minister Tikoduadua expressed his commitment to ensuring that the incident is thoroughly examined, stating, “I’ve been informed about it, we’ll investigate it fully.” This declaration comes after reports surfaced about possible bribery attempts made by the involved officer, who allegedly offered Bari $500 in exchange for his silence after visiting him in the hospital.
In response to the incident and similar allegations, Acting Commissioner of Police Sakeo Raikaci acknowledged that the actions of a few officers have negatively impacted public trust in the police force. He emphasized the importance of community relations and announced that measures are underway to restore confidence in the police. Raikaci affirmed their commitment to service and thanked the community for their continued support while emphasizing ongoing efforts to address issues affecting public trust.
This situation highlights the crucial importance of accountability within law enforcement and the role of community support in rebuilding trust. As investigations proceed, there is hope that these measures will lead to greater transparency and improved relationships between the police and the communities they serve.
In summary, the incident has sparked a significant response from both the government and police leadership, indicating a collective effort to address concerns of police conduct and re-establish public confidence. This commitment to seek justice and restore trust provides a hopeful outlook for positive change within the force.
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