A taxi driver in Labasa, Aiyaz Dean Mohammed, claims that police officers ignored his pleas for help after he was assaulted by two men last week. In an interview, Mohammed stated that despite sustaining serious injuries during the assault, including losing two teeth, he was not taken to the hospital by the responding officers.
He explained that a private vehicle, allegedly operating illegally as a taxi, suddenly blocked his path, leading to an attack by the two men. Instead of assisting him, Mohammed said the police indicated that he would be charged for making an illegal U-turn. He expressed disappointment that the officers did not prioritize his medical needs, stating, “At least, they could’ve looked into my plea first as I was heavily bleeding and then taken me to the hospital.”
The president of the Labasa Taxi Association, Mahend Prasad, voiced concerns that some traffic officers are not fulfilling their responsibilities effectively, contributing to a climate of fear among local taxi drivers following this incident.
Divisional Police Commander SSP Kemueli Baledrokadroka mentioned that he only became aware of the situation after it was raised by Prasad, noting that the incident took place on Tuesday and the report was filed on Friday. He confirmed that an investigation is underway and that surveillance footage related to the assault has been received, adding that the suspected attackers are believed to be from Suva.