A taxi driver in Fiji, aged 31, is fortunate to have survived an alarming robbery incident on Wednesday night, during which he was threatened at knifepoint by a group of men and later abandoned in a bush with his hands and legs bound. The assailants made off with $600 in cash, his mobile phone, taxi meter, vehicle number plate, signage, and damaged his vehicle extensively.
Having been a taxi driver for four years, the victim expressed hesitance about returning to work, sharing feelings of insecurity both on and off the job. “I can’t even feel safe in my own home because the robbers are still at large, and I constantly worry about the safety of my parents,” he stated.
The harrowing encounter began when the driver was hired while stationed at the Naodamu taxi base in Labasa at around 11 PM. He followed the initial request to stop and pick up the passenger’s family, but two men then took control of the situation, ordering him to drive toward the Delailabasa Liquor Store. The driver recounted being assaulted from behind, with a knife held to his throat, which prompted him to comply out of fear for his life.
Once the robbers had taken control, they directed him toward Dreketi, plotting further criminal activity after refueling. Ultimately, they discarded him near a mosque before fleeing. Despite sustaining injuries, the driver managed to escape his bindings and seek help, though he faced rejection in his attempts to contact authorities.
Following the traumatic event, Ashwin Lal, general secretary of the Fiji Taxi Association, expressed concern over police inaction despite being alerted by the taxi base. He noted potential parallels with a fatal incident earlier this year when another taxi driver was murdered, emphasizing the community’s role in reporting any suspicious activities to prevent such crimes.
Divisional Police Commander North, Senior Superintendent of Police Kemueli Baledrokadroka, is urging the public to provide any information related to the case to aid in apprehending the suspects. He encouraged citizens to remain vigilant and proactive in ensuring safety in their communities.
While this incident highlights the distressing reality of crime faced by taxi drivers, it also underscores the necessity of community involvement in law enforcement efforts. With collective vigilance and prompt reporting, citizens can play a crucial role in enhancing safety and justice in their neighborhoods.
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