The Minister for Home Affairs, Pio Tikoduadua, has assured the public that an investigation will be conducted into a reported case of police brutality that occurred over the weekend in Nausori. The incident involved Vilikesa Bari, a final-year maritime student at Fiji National University, who allegedly suffered serious injuries, including a broken jaw, due to an assault by a police officer.
Mr. Bari was admitted to the hospital on Sunday morning following the incident, which has raised concerns not only about his health but also about the conduct of law enforcement. Minister Tikoduadua stated, “I’ve been informed about it, we’ll investigate it fully,” emphasizing his commitment to looking into the matter thoroughly.
In a troubling twist, the family of Mr. Bari reported that the officer involved tried to bribe him, allegedly offering $500 to keep quiet about the assault. This alleged attempt at silencing the victim has further fueled concerns over police accountability.
Acknowledging the impact of these events, Acting Commissioner of Police Sakeo Raikaci noted that the actions of a few officers have tarnished public trust in the police force. He recognized that recent allegations of abuse of authority have strained community relations. Despite these challenges, ACP Raikaci expressed a commitment to restoring confidence in the police through appropriate disciplinary measures and by emphasizing the positive contributions of officers who are dedicated to serving the community.
The situation presents an opportunity for the police force to demonstrate a serious commitment to accountability and transparency. The public will be watching closely to see how this case unfolds, and how the police manage to rebuild trust going forward.
Overall, this incident highlights the importance of accountability in law enforcement and the need for continued community support to foster a positive relationship between police and the public. As the investigation progresses, there is hope that the outcome will lead to improvements in policing practices in Fiji.
Leave a comment