Police are conducting an investigation into an alleged sexual harassment complaint made by a contestant of the Miss Hibiscus pageant. Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro confirmed that a report was filed at the Totogo Police Station on Friday, and an investigation is now in progress.
The allegations emerged last week when a contestant described an incident during the crowning night on September 7, claiming she was inappropriately touched by a guest. This information reached Minister for Local Government, Maciu Nalumisa, who has initiated an internal inquiry into the situation.
Minister Nalumisa stated that a team is looking into the incident to determine the facts surrounding that night. He emphasized the importance of maintaining professionalism to protect all contestants. “We will get to the bottom of this and find out what really happened,” he assured, expecting the investigation to conclude this week.
Mr. Nalumisa also reached out to Tevita Boseiwaqa, chairperson of the Suva City Council special administration, who will be part of the investigative team. The contestant has officially lodged her complaint with police, initially waiting for a witness, who was abroad, to return before proceeding. However, following discussions with her family, she decided to file the complaint without further delay.
The contestant alleges that a man, reportedly under the influence of alcohol, jabbed her on the back, and she immediately reported the incident to event officials. Minister Nalumisa remarked that alcohol consumption should never be used as an excuse for such inappropriate behavior.