Police have confirmed that the investigation into a recent incident involving two crew members from Virgin Australia in Nadi is being treated as an alleged sexual assault. Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Crime, Mesake Waqa, stated that the complaint was initially reported as rape; however, the classification has shifted to sexual assault as the investigation unfolds.
Mr. Waqa emphasized that specific legal criteria must be fulfilled to designate an incident as rape, and investigators are diligently working to collect evidence and clarify the facts surrounding the case. “At the moment, these are allegations, and we are prioritising the investigation,” he noted. Once the inquiry progresses, police will determine the appropriate charges based on the evidence collected.
Currently, no charges have been filed, and police have taken statements from the two crew members. In parallel, Tourism Fiji chose not to comment on a separate alleged incident involving foreign nationals who reported being robbed and raped in Nadi on New Year’s Day. CEO Brent Hill acknowledged awareness of the situation but refrained from providing further details, directing inquiries to the Ministry of Tourism.
Information about the case remains limited, and it remains unclear if family members of the affected crew members are present in Fiji. Notably, a senior airline manager was reported to be staying at the same hotel as the crew, indicating a level of attention and support for those involved.
As police investigations continue, local authorities are expected to provide more updates as the inquiry advances. This situation underscores the commitment of local law enforcement to address serious allegations and ensure a thorough investigation process.
In a broader context, incidents like these highlight the importance of safety and security in tourist destinations, which plays a crucial role in maintaining public trust in the tourism sector. It is hopeful that with ongoing efforts from both local authorities and relevant organizations, justice will be sought, and measures can be implemented to enhance the safety of visitors in the future.
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