The Home Affairs Minister, Pio Tikoduadua, has affirmed that an investigation is underway regarding an incident of police brutality reported in Nausori over the weekend. This follows the assault of 21-year-old Vilikesa Bari, a final-year maritime student at Fiji National University, which resulted in his hospitalization early Sunday morning due to serious injuries, including a broken jaw.
Mr. Tikoduadua stated, “I’ve been informed about it, and we will investigate it fully,” emphasizing the importance of addressing the situation after he was made aware of the incident. The local media reported that Bari’s family accused the police officer involved of attempting to bribe them, allegedly offering $500 for their silence during a visit to the hospital.
In response to the growing concerns about police conduct, Acting Commissioner of Police Sakeo Raikaci acknowledged that the actions of a few officers have eroded community trust in the police force. He highlighted the importance of addressing allegations of abuse of authority and poor service delivery, assuring the community that necessary measures are being taken to restore confidence in the police institution.
Raikaci expressed gratitude to community members for their ongoing support and reiterated the police’s commitment to improving its service.
This situation presents an opportunity for the police force to rectify its damaged reputation and rebuild trust with the community. By responding decisively to the allegations and demonstrating accountability, the institution can turn this incident into a catalyst for change and improvement in policing standards.
In summary, the situation concerning police brutality in Nausori is being taken seriously by authorities, with a commitment to transparency and improvement in police-community relations.
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