Lautoka Police are investigating an incident involving possible negligence after a 3-month-old baby was found alone in a parked car. The alert was raised by a member of the public who spotted the sleeping infant just meters away from a supermarket. When the infant’s parents returned, police were already in the process of gathering details to establish ownership of the vehicle.
Although the parents of the child were cautioned and later released, this incident has drawn attention to the importance of child safety. Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu described the occurrence as “extremely troubling” and reiterated the need for parents and guardians to always prioritize the welfare of their children.
This incident is reminiscent of previous cases of child neglect that have recently made headlines, including a troubling incident when a toddler was found wandering alone along Laucala Beach Road in Nasinu. Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong Chew highlighted similar concerns back then, stressing that repeated instances of neglect could eventually lead to legal repercussions for irresponsible caregivers.
In each instance, authorities have noted the potential dangers of leaving children unattended, with past incidents resulting in tragedies, such as drownings and road accidents, due to a lack of proper supervision. Chew underscored that even a fleeting moment of inattention could result in disastrous outcomes, urging caregivers everywhere to remain vigilant.
Assistant Minister for Children Sashi Kiran also emphasized on the gravity of child protection, particularly in urban settings where families may struggle to find adequate childcare. She has called for caregivers to seek necessary support to avert neglect and safeguard vulnerable children.
As communities rally for heightened awareness regarding child safety, there remains hope that increased vigilance and proactive measures can cultivate a safer environment for children. Authorities, alongside community support systems, aim to mitigate negligence cases to ensure that such alarming situations are less frequent in the future.
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