Four police officers in Fiji have faced serious charges, including assault causing actual bodily harm, rape, and receiving bribes. This alarming situation has come to light in the recent Overall Crime Rate report for October from the Fiji Police Force.
During the same reporting period, there were 22 recorded incidents of serious assaults on police officers. In contrast, the majority of crimes were drug-related, with 160 cases tied to marijuana, 20 related to methamphetamine, and one to cocaine. The police force also reported a striking 39 percent increase in crimes against children, which included predominantly sexual offences, assault-related incidents, and other types of offences.
Crimes against women have seen a slight increase of 0.5 percent, and domestic violence cases have escalated by 42 percent. Compared to the previous reports, serious crime overall rose by 17 percent, with a notable 32 percent uptick in sexual offences. On a more positive note, reports of robbery and aggravated robbery have decreased.
Acting Commissioner of Police, Juki Fong Chew, emphasized that many of these crimes against women and children are occurring within domestic settings and acknowledged the need for continual engagement with community stakeholders to tackle the underlying issues contributing to these crimes. Chew also noted that the rise in drug-related offences reflects ongoing efforts to combat illicit drug networks within the community effectively.
In his remarks regarding the festive season, Chew highlighted the importance of collaboration for ensuring safe communities. This proactive approach to crime prevention signals hope for a collective response to improve safety and well-being in Fiji.
The dedication shown by the Fiji Police Force and their partners in addressing these pressing issues reflects a commitment to fostering safer environments for women, children, and the community at large. By working together, there is potential for meaningful change and a reduction in crime rates in the future.
Leave a comment