Pio Tikoduadua, the Minister for Home Affairs, has guaranteed that the police brutality incident in Nausori over the weekend will be thoroughly investigated. Vilikesa Bari, a 21-year-old final-year maritime student at Fiji National University, was reportedly assaulted by a police officer, leading to his hospitalization on Sunday morning. Bari suffered severe injuries, including a broken jaw, which has made it difficult for him to eat.
Minister Tikoduadua stated, “I’ve been informed about it; we’ll investigate it fully,” emphasizing his commitment to ensuring a complete inquiry into the incident. This commitment was further supported by the Acting Commissioner of Police (ACP) Sakeo Raikaci, who acknowledged that the actions of a few officers have negatively affected public trust in the police force. ACP Raikaci affirmed the need for disciplinary actions to restore confidence within the community, expressing gratitude for the public’s ongoing support.
In a concerning development, the Bari family claimed that the police officer offered Mr. Bari $500 in an attempt to silence him regarding the assault. This suggests a troubling attempt to cover up the actions of the involved officer, raising questions about accountability within the police system.
In light of recent allegations regarding abuse of authority, the police administration is working diligently to regain the community’s trust. ACP Raikaci mentioned that officers across all five policing divisions are committed to diligent service and are grateful for the community’s continued support during this challenging time.
This incident could serve as a pivotal moment for reform within the police force, highlighting the importance of accountability and transparency. With the promise of a thorough investigation and the acknowledgment of existing issues, there is hope that meaningful changes will be implemented to foster a more trustworthy and reliable police service moving forward.
In summary, while the situation is serious, it presents an opportunity for significant improvements in police-community relations, showcasing the importance of accountability in law enforcement.
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