The Minister for Home Affairs, Pio Tikoduadua, has pledged a thorough investigation into an incident of alleged police brutality that occurred in Nausori over the weekend. Vilikesa Bari, a 21-year-old student in his final year studying maritime at Fiji National University, was reportedly assaulted by a police officer, leading to his hospitalization on Sunday morning with serious injuries.
Bari suffered a broken jaw from the incident and is currently facing challenges in eating due to his condition. Minister Tikoduadua stated, “I’ve been informed about it, and we’ll investigate it fully,” acknowledging that he was just made aware of the situation. The police confirmed that the officer involved allegedly visited Bari in the hospital hours after the assault and attempted to offer him $500 in exchange for his silence regarding the incident.
On Tuesday, police officials recognized the impact that the actions of a few officers have had on public trust and confidence in the police force. Acting Commissioner of Police Sakeo Raikaci addressed recent allegations of abuse of authority and expressed commitment to rebuilding trust within the community. He stated that efforts are being made to rectify these issues through disciplinary measures while acknowledging the ongoing support from the community.
This situation highlights a significant concern regarding law enforcement practices and community trust. Nevertheless, the prompt acknowledgment by leaders and the commitment to thorough investigation and accountability suggest a proactive approach to remedying these serious allegations. Such measures could pave the way for improved relations between the police and the community in the future, fostering a safer and more trusting environment for all.
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