The Minister for Home Affairs, Pio Tikoduadua, has confirmed that an inquiry will be launched into the alleged case of police brutality in Nausori that occurred over the weekend. The incident involved Vilikesa Bari, a 21-year-old final-year maritime student from the Fiji National University, who reportedly suffered serious injuries following an altercation with a police officer. Bari was admitted to the hospital on Sunday morning with a broken jaw and is facing difficulties eating.
Minister Tikoduadua stated, “I’ve been informed about it; we’ll investigate it fully.” He only just learned of the situation and assured that a thorough investigation will be conducted.
During a visit to Bari at Wainibokasi Hospital, claims surfaced from the family alleging that the officer involved attempted to bribe Bari with $500 to silence him regarding the incident. This suspect allegedly visited Bari in the early hours of Sunday at the Nausori Health Centre, where he was first treated.
In response to this incident, the police have acknowledged that the actions of “a few” officers have negatively affected public confidence in the police force. Acting Commissioner of Police Sakeo Raikaci expressed the importance of rebuilding this trust, noting that recent allegations of misconduct and inadequate service have strained community relations. He emphasized the police’s unwavering commitment to serve the public and thanked those who continue to support their efforts, assuring that necessary disciplinary actions will be taken to address these issues.
This situation brings to light critical discussions surrounding police accountability and community trust. The commitment from leadership to investigate and address these allegations could be a pivotal step towards restoring confidence in law enforcement. Moving forward, it is hoped that such incidents will lead to meaningful reforms that enhance transparency and ethical conduct within the police force, ultimately benefitting the community as a whole.
In summary, the police brutality case involving a student in Nausori has prompted a commitment from officials to investigate and take corrective actions, highlighting the need for accountability and improved community relations within the police force.
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